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SUFFIELD 








Class ___L 



1 o^- 



Book -:S2^^e 



A QUARTER MILLENNIAL 



CELEBRATION 

OF THE 

TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 
OF THE SETTLEMENT 

OF 

SUFFIELD, CONNECTICUT 

OCTOBER 12, 13 AND 14, ig20 

WITH SKETCHES FROM ITS PAST AND SOME RECORD 

OF ITS LAST HALF CENTURY AND 

OF ITS PRESENT 




SUFFIELD 

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE 
GENERAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

I921 






LI8WAKY OF CONGfti^SS 
i^ccstvtt:) 

JAN13192''* 

DOCUMCNTS OlViitON 



CONTENTS 

The Quarter Millennial Page 

Settlement 9 

Official Action '^ 

Organization and Committees ^4 

Program ^° 

Sabbath Prelude 22 

Tuesday, the First Day 

Welcome by George A. Peckham 24 

Response by Seymour C. Loomis ^5 

Historical Address by Prof. William Lyon Phelps 3^ 

Collation and Speaking 47 

Community Dance 54 

Wednesday, the Second Day 

Organ Recital by Prof. William C. Hammond 55 

Address by Dr. Stephen S. Wise 55 

The Pageant 59 

Thursday, the Third Day 

Parade 77 

Dedication of Tablets 79 

Address by Henry B. Russell °5 

The Hostess House 

The List of Exhibits 92 

Miller Collection of Indian Relics loi 

Letters from Suffield Sons and Daughters 102 

In Other Days 

Pioneers ^°^ 

Deerfield Captives ^ ^° 

Early Courts and Lawyers, Christopher Jacob Lawton 112 

General Phinehas Lyman ^ ^4 

Gideon Granger, Hezekiah Huntington, William Gay "8 

Calvin Pease 120 

Ministers and Laymen, Ebenezer Gay, Asahel Morse I20 

Calvin Philleo, Dwight Ives ^21 

122 

123 

Old Ferry 125 

Fisheries, The Island, Enfield Bridge 126 

Slaves, The Old Clock 129 

Burial Grounds ^32 



X^dlVlli X lllll'-^-', j_yv»i^iii. J. » *^ij 

Apollos Phelps, Sylvester Graham, Timothy^ j&an . 
Great River and Stony Brook, Old Mills. 



CONTENTS 



Church, School and Library Page 

First Congregational Church 137 

West Suffield Congregational Church 139 

First Baptist Church 141 

Second Baptist Church 143 

West Suffield Methodist Church 145 

Calvary' Episcopal Church 146 

Third Baptist Church 147 

Sacred Heart Church 147 

St. Joseph's Church 148 

Public Schools and School Houses 149 

Suffield School 153 



Libraries. 



157 



The Kent Memorial 159 

Sheldon Collection l6i 

Landmarks 

Jonathan Sheldon Place 165 

Hatheway Place 166 

Gay Manse, Joseph Pease House 167 

Spencer Place 169 

Gay Mansion, Luther Loomis Place 170 

Granger Place 171 

Timothy Swan House, Old Harmon Place 172 

Medad Pomeroy, Leavitt and Posthumous Sikes Places 173 

King Place, Gad Lane Tavern, the Pool 174 

Seth Austin Tavern 175 

List of Old Houses 1 76 

Turnpikes and Taverns 179 

Crooked Lane 181 

The Post Office 182 

Civil War Days and Since 

Changes in Population 183 

Tobacco 186 

Suffield in the Wars 189 

Soldiers' Monument 19O 

Red Cross Chapter 191 

Banks 192 

Publishers 194 

Physicians 194 

Emergency Aid Association 195 

Village of Suffield and Fire Department 196 

Apollo Lodge No. 59 A. F. A. M 198 

Daughters of the American Revolution 2C0 

Woman's Reading Club and Ladies' Wide Awake Club 201 

Mapleton Hall, the Grange, May Breakfasts 201 

Mapleton Literary Club 203 

The Town 203 

Tribute to Suffield Benefactors 205 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Page 

"Something Towards the Great River" Frontispiece 

The Granger Maple Facing 8 

General Executive Committee " i6 

Chairmen of Special Committees " i? 

Chairmen Pageant Committees " 3^ 

Speakers 33 

Pageant Poster 4^ 

Airplane View of Pageant Grounds S^ 

A Pageant Scene on Stony Brook " 6o 

Pageant Groups °' 

Two Views of 7000 Spectators " 64 

The Breeze Brings News of White Men Following 64 

Major Pynchon Reading the Treaty " 64 

The Stranger appears to the Pilgrims " 64 

Pynchon Presiding at First Town Meeting " 64 

Benjamin Franklin Surveying Through Suffield Facing 65 

The Lexington Alarm ' "5 

Washington Addressing the Townspeople " 68 

Minuet in Honor of Washington " 68 

Colonists Resist Tyranny " 69 

Discussing Civil War News " 69 

People at Tablet Dedication " 76 

Service Men in World War " 80 

Pageant Characters in Parade " 80 

The Tablets Following 80 

Float of Daughters of the American Revolution Facing 81 

Float of Suffield Grange " 84 

Mapleton Literary Club " §4 

Float of Woman's Reading Club " 85 

Float of Wide Awake Club " 85 

Float of Polish People " 92 

Suffield Firemen 9^ 

West Suffield School Children " 93 

Town Hall Decorated " 93 

Hostess House and Interior " 96 

Indian Relics ' 97 

The Old Boston Neck Dam " 97 

Suffield Center and Shaded Common " 104 

Enfield Bridge " 128 

The Old Ferry Boat "Cora" " 128 

Looking Eastward From Suffield Mountain " 129 

Stony Brook Ledge " I44 

First Congregational Church Following 144 

Boulder on Site of First Meeting House " I44 

First Baptist Church, Zion's Hill I44 

Second Baptist Church 144 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Page 

West Suffield Methodist Church Facing 145 

Second Congregational, Church West Suffield " 145 

Calvary Episcopal Church " 148 

Third Baptist Church " 148 

Sacred Heart Church and Rectory " 149 

St. Joseph's Church and Rectory " 149 

Connecticut Literary Institution, Old View " 156 

Suffield School, North Building " 160 

Suffield School, Old Middle and Old South Following 160 

Kent Memorial Library " 160 

Captain Jonathan Sheldon House Facing 161 

Home of Posthumous Sikes " 161 

Gad Lane Tavern " 164 

Hatheway Place " 164 

Alfred Spencer Place " 165 

Gay Manse " • 165 

Leavitt Place " 172 

King Place " 172 

Granger Place " 173 

Harmon Place " I73 

Pease Place " 176 

Seth Austin Tavern " 176 

Captain Medad Pomeroy Place Following 176 

Luther Loomis Place " 176 

Timothy Swan House " 176 

Gay Mansion " 176 

Corners in Parlor, Gay Mansion Facing 177 

Dining Room and a Bed Room, Gay Mansion " 180 

Hall, Gay Mansion " 181 

The Pool " 181 

Suffield Veterans Association " 188 

First National and Suffield Savings Banks " 192 

A Suffield Tobacco Plantation " I93 

Suffield Benefactors " 205 




THE GRANGER MAPLE Planted by Launcelot Granger, who died 1689 

"Jn unrememheri'd Past 
Broods like a presence 'mid the long gray boughs 
Of this old tree, which has outlived so long 
The flitting generations of mankind. 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL 



A generation pauses at a milestone of the family and com- 
munity life of an old New England town, commemorates two 
centuries of civic existence, reviews the lengthening past, recalls 
its traditions and revives its memories. As life goes on, familiar 
faces disappear; new figures move and meet upon the ancient 
streets, another cemetery upon another hill raises its monu- 
ments over other graves, one by one as that generation vanishes. 
Then its children and its grandchildren, themselves grown to 
maturity or even passed into the gathering twilight of their lives, 
pause at another milestone, commemorate another half century 
of their old New England town and reread the story of its 
longer past. 

In 1870 the people of Suflfteld, Connecticut, celebrated the 
two hundredth anniversary of the date on which the General 
Court at Massachusetts Bay granted to Captain John Pynchon, 
Captain EHzur Holyoke, Lieutenant Thomas Cooper, Quarter- 
master George Colton, Ensign Benjamin Cooley, and Rowland 
Thomas of Springfield "liberty for the erecting of a Touneship 
on the West side of ye Ryuer Connecticott towards Windsor." 

In 1920 another generation of the people of SuflReld cele- 
brated the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of that simple 
but heroic beginning along an early forest trail. 

The generation of Sufiield men, who planned and who parti- 
cipated in the celebration of 1870, published a book to mark the 
event in the old town's history; the book is treasured in many 
Suffield families today and will be henceforth. 

Following in the footsteps of their fathers, the Suffield people 
of today have co-operated to publish this book to mark in the 
history of the old town the celebration of the two hundred and 
fiftieth anniversary of that same simple but heroic beginning, 
to add something to the record, and to leave it as a picture of 
Suffield as it is in this generation which, following others as the 
years pass, will ere long vanish from the familiar scenes. 

About thirty-five years before this beginning of another 



lO QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

township in the valley of the Connecticut, three of the eight 
towns then in the struggling settlement of Massachusetts Bay 
developed opposition to the authority of the magistrates and 
a desire to more extensively control their local affairs through 
their own elected boards of selectmen. Ecclesiastical leaders 
like John Warham and John Maverick of Dorchester and 
Thomas Hooker and Samuel Stone of Newtown and lay leaders 
like John Haynes and William Pynchon promoted democratic 
influences that soon moved pastors and members of their flocks 
to sell their scanty belongings to new comers from England 
and to journey, either around by the coast and up the river, or 
across the Massachusetts wilderness, to the settlement of the 
Connecticut Valley. Hooker and Stone went to Hartford, 
Warham to Windsor and Pynchon with eight companions set- 
tled Springfield. Together with Wethersfield these primitive 
townships became the centers of influence for other settlements 
up and down the valley in the next few years, and for a brief 
period all acted together to order their common affairs, notwith- 
standing the assumed authority of Massachusetts Bay. William 
Pynchon and his associates accounted themselves a part of the 
Connecticut colony and acted with the other towns in estab- 
lishing their General Court and government, after the expira- 
tion of the Massachusetts commission in 1637. Plans of a 
union of the two colonies for mutual defense, suggested by Hook- 
er, failed because Massachusetts laid claim to jurisdiction over 
Springfield. 

A few years later William Pynchon, who had written a book 
much in advance of his times, which was burned on Boston 
Common, returned to England and his son Major John Pynchon 
became an energetic pioneer in the extension of settlements in 
the valley. The Massachusetts claim to jurisdiction over 
Springfield had been established and two strong motives for 
Major Pynchon's enterprise may be distinguished in the records 
he left — the extension of a profitable trade, especially in furs, 
and a relief from political loneliness and the perils of existence 
in a wilderness in which the Indians, though friendly at the time, 
greatly out-numbered the white settlers. His hunters and trap- 
pers made trails through the forests about them and where 
Suffield now is, spied out the possibilities for meadow lands up 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD II 



and down the river on either side, and from time to time, under 
his leadership, encouragement and backing ventured upon new 
settlements. 

When in 1654, with Elizur Holyoke and others, he petitioned 
the General Court at Boston for liberty to erect a township 
fifteen miles up the river, he gave as one of the reasons, "We 
being alone may by this means have some more neighborhood." 
To the East lay an unbroken wilderness of eighty miles between 
them and the nearest settlement at the Bay. On the North a 
wilder forest stretched to Canada; on the West to the Dutch at 
Albany. To the South were the nearer Connecticut settlements, 
but at about this time came a fresh crisis in the relations of 
the Connecticut and Massachusetts Bay colonies, and Major 
Pynchon found Springfield almost alone as a Massachusetts 
town on the river. His petition of 1654 was granted and thus 
was Northampton settled. 

Notwithstanding disagreements over jurisdiction and bound- 
aries, these people, scattered up and down the valley in a com- 
mon struggle for existence and devoted to the same religious 
principles, traded and visited much with each other; and, as 
they traveled back and forth, there came into use the North- 
ampton Road, running through lands belonging to the Indians 
and connecting the settlements down the river with those above 
— a road that led through the Stony Brook region where South 
Street, Remington Street and the Zion's Hill road now run. 
On this road was the beginning of Suffield. 

Doubtless with a vision of the future, Pynchon at various 
times had purchased from their Indian owners lands between 
the uncertain northern boundaries of Windsor and the southern 
bounds of Springfield and Westfield — incorporated in 1669 — 
for thirty pounds, and with his associates gained the liberty 
October 12, 1670 to erect a township. It was later resold to 
settlers as they could be found, at rates to yield him forty pounds, 
no more and no less, and it was a long time after he had built 
saw mills and corn mills on Stony Brook to promote settlement, 
after he had rebuilt them from the ashes left by King Philip's 
war, that he got his money back. He and his Springfield asso- 
ciates held many meetings at Stony Brook in the first few years, 
and, if in their reports there were notes of discouragement. 



12 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

there were also stronger notes of determination. In 1672 they 
laid out High Street and the record adds, "hereabouts we deter- 
mined the Meeting House to be set having ordered some vacant 
land here for a Training Place, etc." This was the beginning 
of Suffield Center and the Common. 

Gradually the progenitors of the old SufReld families came, 
at first from Springfield, later and to a larger extent from Hart- 
ford and Windsor, and from Ipswich, Newbury, Rowley, and 
other towns of the Massachusetts Bay settlement where the 
conflict between central and local government persisted and 
drove into the Connecticut valley an advanced type of democ- 
racy, destined to leave its impress deeply upon the constitu- 
tional forms of a great republic. 

Though Suffield two generations later and as a result of its 
own persistent inclinations and struggles passed from the juris- 
diction of Massachusetts to that of Connecticut, it will ever 
bear the imprint of the hard tasks and determined work of 
Major Pynchon. His struggle and his triumph in the settle- 
ment of the town may some day gain a memorial more explicit, 
though no more enduring, than the Common and main highways 
that he fashioned in the forests. 

Official Action 

To provide for the fitting observance of the two hundred and 
fiftieth anniversary of this beginning of Suffield, its townsmen 
in their town meetings took the necessary official action and 
through their appointed committees made the necessary prep- 
arations for the event. 

At the annual town meeting of Suffield held October 7, 191 8, 
Mr. Samuel R. Spencer offered the following resolution which 
was unanimously passed. 

Voted: that a preliminary committee of five be appointed by 
the Assistant Moderator, Mr. George A. Peckham, said com- 
mittee to include himself, which committee is to investigate 
the proper form of celebrating the two hundred and fiftieth 
anniversary of the founding of the town, and to report to the 
annual town meeting in 1919. 

Said committee is also to ask the Board of Finance to include 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD I3 

in its recommendations such sum as said committee may deem 
ample to carry out such celebration. 

At the adjourned Town Meeting held March i, 1919, it was 
voted that the report of George A. Peckham appointing Edward 
A. Fuller, Edward Perkins, Samuel R. Spencer, Hobart G. Trues- 
dell and George A. Peckham as a committee for the celebrating 
of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of 
Suffield, be approved and placed on record. 

This committee met at the Suffield School, Saturday, March 
15, 1919, and organized as follows: 

Edward A. Fuller, Chairman of the Executive Committee; 
later also Chairman of the Tablet Committee. 

George A. Peckham, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Com- 
mittee; Chairman of the Speakers and Program Committee. 

Samuel R. Spencer, Secretary of the Executive Committee; 
Chairman of the Historical Committee. 

H. G. Truesdell, Chairman of the Pageant Committee. 

Edward Perkins, Chairman of the Invitation Committee. 

An informal discussion of the plan of the celebration took 
place, and it was decided to ask the Finance Committee to 
recommend an appropriation of $6,000, and this sum was voted 
by the Town at its annual meeting, October, i, 1919. As the 
scope of the celebration widened additional sums were voted as 
follows: $1,000, at the special Town Meeting held in March, 
1920, to make good $1,000 of the original appropriation which 
had been used for the Welcome Home celebration; $3,000 at a 
special Town Meeting held Saturday, June 5th, 1920, for the 
purchase of bronze tablets commemorative of Suffield's citizens 
who have served their country in her various wars; $1,500 at 
the annual Town Meeting held Monday, October 4, 1920, when 
it was voted that the Town appropriate $1,500 additional to 
defray the expense of making the Pageant free; $500 at said 
meeting to go toward the publishing of the account of the cele- 
bration; a total of $11,000. 

At the special Town Meeting held Wednesday, March 10, 
1920, the following vote was passed: 

Voted: that the matter of placing Soldiers' and Sailors' 
Memorial Tablets and having charge of same, be left with Ed- 
ward A. Fuller and such committee as he may desire. This 



14 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

committee subsequently decided to place the Tablets on the 
Town Hall and to put on them the names, as far as obtainable, 
of all who have served in any of the country's wars. 

At a meeting of the Executive Committee held in November, 
1919 Professor Jack R. Crawford of Yale University was present 
and explained the nature and costs of the Pageant, and it was 
voted to engage him to write and produce it. It was also voted 
to have a three days' celebration commencing October 12, 1920, 
and a tentative program was formulated, substantially that 
which was carried out later on. 

During the winter of 1919-1920, the Executive Committee 
held about twenty meetings at which the various committees 
were appointed and the details of the celebration mapped out. 
Everyone in town co-operated most heartily and to this co-opera- 
tion the success of the celebration was due. 

The Committees 

The organization in its honorary Vice-Presidents and Com- 
mittees was made representative of the whole town and inclu- 
ded both those bearing the family names of its first settlers and 
those who in more recent years have become its citizens. The 
interest and service of all was invited and secured under the 
direction of the General Executive Committee and the chairmen 
of the various committees for special undertakings and service. 
This organization was as follows: 

General Executive Committee: Edward A. Fuller, President, 
George A. Peckham, Vice-President, Edward Perkins, Samuel 
R. Spencer, Hobart G. Truesdell. 

Honorary Vice-Presidents, Henry Adams, Joseph Adams, 
Hugh M. Alcorn, Brainard L. Alderman, Dominic Alfano, 
Leander W. Allen, Albert R. Austin, Arthur H. Austin, Charles 
T. Austin, Curtis Babb, John Barnett, Sr., Samuel Barr, 
John Barrisford, Rev. Bartkowski, David Birge, David L. 
Brockett, Howard A. Button, John B. Cannon, Daniel N. Car- 
rington, George Clark, Willette B. Clark, William A. Cone, 
John Conley, Lewis J. Cook, Luther N. Curtis, James Davis, 
John A. Davis, Luther P. Davis, Thomas F. Devine, George A. 
Douglass, Ephrlam A.'Dunston, Harlow F. Edwards, Daniel 
Egan, Horace G. Eggleston, Rev. Ellison, Joseph B. Fairfield, 
Rev. E. Scott Farley, Michael Fleming, John Ford, Ariel Frost, 
Charles S. Fuller, Dwight S. Fuller, Rev. Victor L. Greenwood, 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 1 5 

Robert L. Greer, Justin Griffin, Servilius A. Griswold, Herbert E. 
Halladay, Thomas S. Hamilton, George A. Harmon, Lemuel F. 
Hart, Frank L. Harvey, Charles E. Haskins, James O. Haskins, 
Frank E. Hastings, James E. Hastings, Charles Hatheway, Ern- 
est A. Hatheway, George M. Hendee, Egerton Hemenway, Rev. 
Hennessey, Wallace Holcomb, Watson L. Holcomb, Edwin L. 
Humason, Heman Humason, Kirk Jones, Luther A. Kent, Frank 
E. King, John A. King, Waldo S. Knox, Peter Kulas, William 
S. Larkum, Hugh S. Legare, Newton R. Lewis, Rev. William 
A. Linnaberry, Horatio N. Loomis, John B. Loomis, Neland 
Loomis, Seymour C. Loomis, A. Judson Lyman, Rev. Robert S. 
MacArthur, Rev. Raymond Maplesden, George Martinez, 
Michael Maziouski, James McCarl, David McComb, John 
Merrill, Christopher Michel, Henry A. Miller, Neland L. Miller, 
Timothy Miskell, Henry J. Moran, Walter A. Morgan, Clinton 
H. Nelson, John W. Noble, John H. Norton, John Orr, Samuel 
Orr, Sr., George B. Parks, William H. Peckham, C. Irving 
Pheland, Julius V. Pheland, Gilbert W. Phelps, Judah Phelps, 
Oscar B. Phillips, Walter H. Pierce, Oscar E. Pitcher, William 
S. Pinney, Luther O. Pomeroy, William W. Pomeroy, Patrick M. 
Quinn, Frank H. Reid, Samuel H. Reid, Charles T. Remington, 
Lyman H. Rice, Henry B. Richmond, Judson Rising, Henry 
J. Roche, Henry D. Rogers, George W. Root, James B. Rose, 
Irving L. Russell, Fred A. Scott, Edwin S. Seymour, Henry A. 
Sheldon, Howard D. Sikes, Willard C. Sikes, Andrew H. Smith, 
Rev. Jesse F. Smith, William C. Smith, Herbert L. Spear, Elbert 
J. Spelman, Alfred Spencer, Jr., Charles L. Spencer, Edward 
Steuer, Weston L. Stiles, Eben N. Stratton, John Sullivan, 
Nelson A. Talmadge, Roland V. Taylor, Charles Terry, George 
N. Thompson, Clinton D. Towne, Seth Veits, Isaac Warner, 
Ewald Wever, Rev. William W. Whitman, Charles A. Wilcox, 
William J. Wright, Anthony Zekowski, Michael Zekowski, 

Reception Committee: George A. Harmon, Chairman; 
Louis G. Allen, Airs. Hattie S. Brockett, Fred W. Brown, Dr. 
William E. Caldwell, Thomas B. Cooney, Amos B. Crane, 
Charles S. Fuller, Dwight S. Fuller, Edward A. Fuller, Samuel 
H. Graham, Joseph R. Gregg, James O. Haskins, Howard A. 
Henshaw, Karl C. Kulle, Charles R. Latham, Matthew Leahey, 
Sidney Kent Legare, Miss Alena F. Owen, George A. Peckham, 
Edward Perkins, Edgar J. Phelps, Judah Phelps, William S. 
Pinney, William W. Pomeroy, Clifford H. Prior, Henry B. Russell, 
Howard F. Russell, Charles B. Sheldon, George A. Sheldon, 
Herbert L. Spear, Mrs. Sara L. Spencer, Samuel R. Spencer, 
Weston L. Stiles, George L. Warner, Robert W. Warren, John 
L. Wilson, Silas L. Wood, George B. Woodruff. 

Invitation Committee: Edward Perkins, Chairman; Joseph 



l6 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



J. Barnett, Miss Marjorie O. Beach, John B. Cannon, Francis 
W. Cavanaugh, Howard C. Cone, Ralph B. Ford, William S. 
Fuller, Marjorie E. Halladay, Howard A. Henshaw, James O. 
Haskins, John L. Ingraham, William C. King, Neland Loomis, 
John A. Murphy, Howard F. Pease, Gilbert W. Phelps, Miss 
Doris G. Pomeroy, Howard F. Russell, Howard D. Sikes, 
Charles L. Spencer, Clinton D. Towne, George L. Warner. 

Committee on Speakers and Programs: George A. Peckham, 
Chairman; Dr. William E. Caldwell, Terry J. Chapin, Edward 
J. Rogers, Philip Schwartz, Charles B. Sheldon, Samuel R. 
Spencer, Daniel J. Sweeney, George L. Warner. 

Historical Committee: Samuel R. Spencer, Chairman; 
Louis G. Allen, A. A. Brown, Harold B. Chapman, E. J. 
Claudell, William S. Fuller, Miss Marjorie E. Halladay, Mrs. 
Howard E. Hastings, Karl C. Kulle, Mrs. Robert H. Loomis, 
Miss Alena F. Owen, Mrs. William S. Pinney, Howard F. Rus- 
sell, Mrs. A. C. Sheldon, Miss Madeline H. Spencer. 

Tablet Committee: Edward A. Fuller, Chairman; Hugh M. 
Alcorn, Louis G. Allen, Albert R. Austin, Mrs. Charles C. 
'Bissell, Leroy Briggs, Mrs. Hattie S. Brockett, Marshall Brown, 
Howard E. Caldwell, John B. Cannon, Nelson S. Cole, John H. 
Colson, John J. Conley, William M. Cooper, Amos B. Crane, 
Clifford C. Creelman, Luther N. Curtis, William Deutsch, 
John E. Dunn, Nelson A. Fitch, Sumner F. Fuller, Conrad 
Gardner, Albert R. Goodrich, Samuel H. Graham, Miss Mar- 
jorie E. Halladay, George A. Harmon, Francis E. Hastings, 
Wallace G. Hastings, George M. Hendee, Howard A. Henshaw, 
Jurges Janlowitz, Robert S. Jones, John J. Kennedy, Anthony 
Kulas, Karl C. Kulle, Charles R. Latham, Michael Leahey, 
Carlton B. Lees, Herman H. Loomis, Miss Gertrude E. Mac- 
Arthur, George A. Martinez, Miss Frances O. Mather, Christo- 
pher Michel, James Mitchell, Jr., Robert Orr, Miss Alena F. 
Owen, George B. Parks, Murray B. Parks, Edward Perkins, 
Newton T. Phelon, Ralph Raisbeck, Herbert E. Root, Irving 
L. Russell, Herbert L. Spear, Charles L. Spencer, Miss Madeline 
H. Spencer, Samuel R. Spencer, John Sullivan, Maximilian 
Svacki, Charles Terry, Harry C. Warner, John L. Wilson, 
William J. Wilson, Silas L. Wood. 

Parade Committee: James N. Root, Chairman; Joseph A. 
Anderson, John F. Barnett, Jr., Samuel Barriesford, Joseph F. 
Brackonoski, Arthur H. Bridge, Howard E. Caldwell, Eugene 
J. Cronin, William T. Dupont, John A. Eagleson, Frank F. Ford, 
William S. Fuller, Burton M. Gillette, Lemuel F. Hart, George 
B. Jobes, Raymond S. Kent, Karl C. Kulle, Perley D. Lillie, 
H. Clement Mather, James Mitchell, Jr., John W. Noble, 
Howard F. Pease, Gilbert W. Phelps, J. Edgar Phelps, Judson 




GENERAL EXECLTRE COMMITl^EE. Edward A. Fuller, President and 
Chairman Tablet Committee; George A. Peckham, \'ice-President and Chairman 
Speakers and Program Committee; Samuel R. Spencer, Secretary and Chairman 
Historical Committee; Hobart G. Truesdell, Chairman Pageant Committee; 
Edward Perkins, Chairman Invitation Committee. 



'te'' ""'""v;iiiiii-""":Xv'^^'' 



>'•''*' ^li\ '11111' ■'''!"' S'^i^ 







CHAIRMEN OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES 
Samuel H. Graham George A. Harmon James N. Root 



Decoration 
E. C. Stratton 

Housing, Injormiilioh 



Reception, Collation 

Mrs. Edward A. Fuller 

Hostess House 

T. J. Nicholson 

Transportation 



Parade 

Charles F. Kurvin 
Community Dance 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 1/ 

L. Phelps, William S. Pinney, Henry J. Roche, Howard A. Shel- 
don, Frank S. Smith, Harry C. Warner, Edward M. White. 

Dance Committee: Charles F. Kurvin, Chairman; Joseph 
Barr, Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Bidwell, Jr., William H. Bridge, 
William Culver, Horace G. Eggleston, Charles Goodacre, Mr. 
and Mrs. Joseph P. Graham, Mrs. P. W. Jones, Anthony Kulas, 
Carlton B. Lees, Winfield H. Loomis, James Mitchell, Jr., 
Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Nelson, Mrs. Fordham C. Russell, 
Hanford Taylor, Clive I. Thompson, Miss M. M. Thompson. 

Committee on Decorations: Samuel H. Graham, Chairman; 
Ernest N. Austin, Arthur N. Beach, Charles R. Brome, John J. 
Devine, James Eagleson, Robert B. Edwards, Raymond Eg- 
gleston, Ralph B. Ford, Mrs. Joseph A. Gibbs, Mrs. Joseph P* 
Graham, Paul W. Jones, Adolph L. Koster, James Mix, Samuel 
J. Orr, Thomas H. Smith, Ward Spaulding. 

Committee on Publications: Henry B. Russell, Chairman; 
Rev. Daniel R. Kennedy, William H. Nelson. 

Transportation Committee: T. J. Nicholson, Chairman; 
J. F. Barnett, Jr., Arthur G. Bissell, Thomas F. Cavanaugh, 
Samuel J. Colter, John Eagleson, John Fitzgerald, Albert R. 
Ford, Harvey N. Fuller, John H. Gregg, C. E. Hanford, G. M. 
Hastings, Nelson A. Humason, George B. Jobes, Matthew 
Leahey, James F. Lennon, P. D. Lillie, Clement H. Mather, 
Charles T. O'Brien, John O'Malley, Gordon L. Sikes, James 
Sullivan, Roland J. C. Wetherell, George O. Wilcox. 

Hostess House Committee: Mrs. Edward A. Fuller, Chair- 
man; Mr. and Mrs. Oley L. Allen, Mrs. Arthur N. Beach, Mrs. 
L. P. Bissell, Mrs Frank Brockett, Dr. H. M. Brown, Mrs. O. 
R. Bugbee, Mrs. W. G. Fennell, Mrs. Charles S. Fuller, 
Sumner F. Fuller, Mrs. D. W. Goodale, Mrs. S. H. Graham, 
Mrs. Edmund Halladay, Mrs. F, B. Hatheway, Mr. and Mrs. 
Karl C. KuUe, Mrs. Clinton H. Nelson, Mrs. William H. Nelson, 
Miss Emma L. Newton, Miss Alena F. Owen, Mr. and Mrs. 
Howard F. Pease, Mrs. Edward Perkins, Miss Myra Phelps, 
Mrs. A. R. Pierce, Mrs. H. D. Sikes, Mrs. C. C. Spencer, Mrs. 
Charles L. Spencer, Mrs. C. Luther Spencer, Jr., Mrs. P. W. 
Street, Mrs. Carolyn F. Sutton, D. J. Sweeney, Mrs. S. L. 
Wood. 

Housing and Information Committee: E. C. Stratton, Chair- 
man; Arthur L. Bessett, Willis L. Chapel, Alfred M. Gay, Dr. 
J. A. Gibbs, Hiram Jones, George L. Parks, N. A. Talmadge. 

Collation Committee: George A. Harmon, Chairman; 
George L. Creelman, F. F. Ford, Henry Fuller, T. H. Hauser, 
Dr. William Levy, Harry Kehoe, George A. Martinez, B. A. 
Thompson, Harry Woodworth, 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



Pageant Committees 

Executive: H. G. Truesdell, Chairman; Mrs. C. C. Bissell, 
William S. Fuller, Mrs. George A. Harmon, Charles R. Latham, 
Mrs. George A. Peckham, William S. Pinney, James N. Root, 
Charles L. Spencer, Samuel R. Spencer. 

Business, Finance, Tickets: Charles L. Spencer, Chairman; 
Charles S. Bissell, Arthur H. Bridge, Charles R. Brome, O. R. 
Bugbee, Howard C. Cone, Edwin A. Culver, Sumner F. Fuller, 
Egerton Hemenway, George M. Hendee, Karl C. Kulle, John 
Noble, Howard F. Pease, J. E. Phelps, Samuel N. Reid, Allen 
C. Scott, Alfred C. Sheldon, F. H. Sheldon, Lawrence Sikes, 
C. Luther Spencer, Jr., Edward M. White. 

Publicity: Charles R. Latham, Chairman; Robert Chew, 
Rev. E. Scott Farley, George R. Fowler, Joseph P. Graham, 
Morton S. Harris, Frank M. Kearns, William C. King, William 
C. O'Neil, Harold K. Perkins, Judson L. Phelps, S. N. Reid, 
Fordham C. Russell, Howard R. Sheldon, Edwin G. Warner. 

Music: Mrs. Charles C. Bissell, Chairman; Mrs. Fred 
Brockett, Mrs. W. E. Caldwell, Miss Mary Cooper, Mr. and 
Mrs. Thomas E. Couch, Amos B. Crane, Mrs. L. H. Creelman, 
E. G. Hastings, Miss Grace M. Hastings, Miss Margaret Hathe- 
way, Mrs Marshall L. Moulton, Mrs. Frank H. Reid, Mrs. 
James N. Root, Mrs. L L. Russell, George A. Sheldon, L. H. 
Sikes, Mrs. Bernard L. Sutton, Mrs. Charles F. Whittemore. 

Costumes and Make-up: Mrs. George A. Harmon, Chairman; 
Mrs. William Ailing, Miss Mary E. Atwater, Samuel Barriesford, 
Mrs. William Al. Cooper, Mrs. Howard C. Cone, Mrs. James 
Eagleson, Mrs. W. S. Fuller, Mrs. Charles C. Haskins, Mrs. 
Adolf L. Koster, Miss Julia Leach, Sidney Kent Legare, Miss 
Nellie Lipps, James O'Malley, Mrs. Joseph Patterson, Mrs. 
William W. Pomeroy, Miss Mary Roche, Mr. C. Luther Spencer, 
Jr., Mrs. J. P. Spencer, Mrs. Daniel J. Sweeney, Mrs. H. G. 
Truesdell, George L. Warner, Miss Minnie A. Wilson, Mrs. 
George B. Woodruff. 

Cast and Rehearsal: Mrs. George A. Peckham, Chairman; 
Mrs. H. M. Alcorn, Mrs. Louis G. Allen, Mrs. E. N. Austin, 
Mrs. James Barnett, Miss Mary Bawn, Mrs. C. C. Bissell, 
Charles S. Bissell, Mrs. Charles S. Bissell, Mrs. David L. Broc- 
kett, Miss Lena E. Brown, Miss Florence M. Cone, Miss Bertha 
Corrigan, Mrs. Annie Covington, Mrs. Edward Culver, Mrs. L. 
L Fuller, Charles E. Goodacre, Mrs. J. P. Graham, Mrs. Eger- 
ton Hemenway, Mrs. George F. Holloway, Mrs. E. G. Hubbard, 
Mrs. Alfred C. King, Miss Victoria Kulas, Mrs. P. D. Lillie, 
Miss Frances O. Mather, Mrs. James Mix, Mrs Spencer Mont- 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD I9 

gomery, Mrs. T. J. Nicholson, Miss Sadie Nicholson, A. P. 
Phillips, H. Leslie Pomeroy, Mrs. H. Leslie Pomeroy, Mrs, 
James H. Prophett, Mrs. Charles A. Prout, Mrs. A. M. Rem- 
ington, Mrs. Philip Schwartz, Miss Talulah Sikes, D. F. Sisson, 
Earl Spaulding, Mrs. S. R. Spencer, Mrs. Herbert T. Stiles' 
Mrs. George L. Warner, Mrs. Harry C. Warner, Miss Minnie 
E. Welch, Miss Lucille M. Wilson, Joseph Zukowski. 

Stage, Grounds, and Properties: W. S. Fuller, Chairman; 
Arthur Adams, Samuel Adams, Charles T. Austin, Andrew S. 
Barr, Thatcher G. Belfit, Myron A. Blakeslee, Charles R. 
Brome, A. A. Brown, Myron Canfield, Jerry Deneen, Howard 
Edwards, Charles Firtion, Adam Fusick, Jr., Adam Fusick, Sr., 
Bernie E. Griffin, August Hauser, Arthur L. Jackson, Price 
Jones, Patrick Keohane, C. D. King, George F. King, Spencer 
Montgomery, Joseph Patterson, Henry W. Phelps, Herbert E. 
Root, Brownislaw Sobocenski, Edward M. White. 

Parking and Policing: George B. Woodruff, Chairman; 
George W. Adams, Thomas Ahearn, Fred A. Anderson, Joseph 
A. Anderson, Nelson Babb, Thomas M. Burke, James T. Cain, 
John F. Carroll, Frank Cowles, George L. Greer, Jeremiah M, 
Hayes, Alvah Hinckley, James Jones, Frank L. Kent, Samuel 
G. Lathrop, Allen McCann, Harry L. Oppenheimer, Joseph 
Prekop, George D. Remington, Frank M. Rising, Fred J. Scott, 
Bernard Sikes, Erwin E. Stratton, Herbert Wallace. 

With the generous co-operation of local advertisers and many 
in neighboring places, the committee prepared and printed an 
edition of 8000 of the official program — a handsome pamphlet 
of over sixty pages which was distributed gratis during the 
celebration. Besides the program of exercises it contained the 
lists of committees, the synopsis of the Pageant furnished by 
Professor Crawford, the cast of characters, a list of the old 
houses that the Historical Committee had marked, and the whole 
bore on the cover an illustration of the Gay Manse built in 1742 
by the first Ebenezer Gay who at about that time began his 
long pastorate in the town. 

The Invitation Committee prepared a general invitation 
which was sent to people of Suffield, and a large number of 
former residents and descendants of Suffield families. The 
Tablet Committee secured practically complete rolls of the 
Suffield men serving in the wars of the country and contracted 
for two bronze tablets which, at the suggestion of service men 
in the recent World War, were placed on the front wall of the 



20 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

Town Hall. The Decorations Committee contracted for the 
decoration of the public buildings and the people of Main street 
co-operated in the general decoration of their residences. The 
Committees on Parade, on the Community Dance, on Trans- 
portation, on the Hostess House, on Housing, and Information, 
on Collation and on Reception made the complete and necessary 
arrangements for the successful co-ordination of the events of the 
celebration. 

One of the largest committees and one to which a very large 
amount of work fell was the Pageant Committee. It was 
organized into several special committees to cover all the neces- 
sary arrangements for the imposing pageant that was produced 
on the second day of the celebration. Aduch of the work was 
done in the six weeks preceding the celebration and when the 
time arrived the whole ambitious program was complete in its 
many details. 

Each committee organized to prepare for and to perform the 
function in the celebration assigned to it. The Committee on 
Speakers and Programs arranged the following general program 
of exercises: 

Program 

Tuesday, October i2th 

First Congregational Church, lo a. m. 

Opening Exercises 

Prayer — Rev. V. L. Greenwood. 

Music — " Coronation." 

Address of Welcome — Hon. Hugh M. Alcorn. 

Response — Hon. Seymour C. Loomis, New Haven, Conn. 

Music — Quartette, "China." (Written by Timothy Swan of 

Suffield about 1800.) 
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Couch of Sufheld, Miss Ruth G. 

Remington of Suffield, Mr. Robert Winn Jones of Hartford. 
Historical Address — William Lyon Phelps, Ph.D., 

Lampson Professor of English, Yale University. 
Music — "America." 
Benediction. 

2.00 p. M. COLLATION. 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



21 



CONCERT TUESDAY EVENING, OCT. iztk, 1920 

7 to 8 p. M. 

104th Regiment Band 



March, "Flag of Victory," 
Overture, "Prince of India," 
Concert Waltz, "Jolly Fellows," 
Selection, "Mile. Modiste," 
Descriptive, "Hunting Scene," 
Songs of Uncle Sam 
Finale, "Stars and Stripes," 

8. p. M. Dance. 



Fo?i Blon 

King 

Vollstedt 

Herbert 

Bucalossi 

Hosmer 

Sousa 



Wednesday, October 13TH 
Second Baptist Church, 10 a. m. 

Prayer — Rev. E. Scott Farley. 

Organ Recital — Professor William C. Hammond, Holyoke, 

Mass. 
Solo — Miss Marie Roszelle, Hartford, Conn. 
Address — "Pilgrim's Progress. 1620 to 1920." Rev. Stephen 

S. Wise, Ph.D., LL.D., New York City. 
Music — "Blest Be the Tie that Binds." 
Benediction. 

2.00 p. M. Pageant. 

7.30 p. M. Be at Home. 



Thursday, October 14TH 

CONCERT OCT. 14th, 1920, 8 a. m. to 9 a. m. 
104th Regiment Band 

March, "Pasadina Day," 
Overture, "Chival De Bronze," 
Concert Waltz, "Blue Danube," 
Selection, "Maritana," 
Descriptive, Fantasia "Over the Top," 
Finale, "The Regiment Return," 
9 A. M. — Parade. 
10 A. M. — Dedication of Tablets. 
Address — Mr. Henry B. Russell. 
1.30 p. M. — Transportation for any desiring to see 

home. 
3.30 p. M. — Football game. 



Vessella 
Auber 
Straus 

Wallace 
Luders 
Crosby 



their old 



22 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



A Sabbath Prelude 

The services in the First Congregational and Second Baptist 
Churches on Sunday October loth constituted an appropriate 
prelude to the official exercises of the celebration of the quarter- 
millennial of the town with whose life and well being they, with 
other churches, had been long and inseparably connected. An 
Old Time Sunday was observed in the First Congregational 
church whose establishment was practically coincident with the 
settlement of the town, the present pastor, Rev. Victor L. 
Greenwood, preaching on "The Golden Present" at the morn- 
ing service. He compared the religious conceptions and customs 
of early colonial days with those of the present and spoke of the 
development of the greater spirit of freedom and the expanded 
conception of love in the Christian faith. 

At the same hour in the Second Baptist Church the pastor. 
Rev. E. Scott Farley, preached a historical sermon on the sub- 
ject, "Suffield's Witness to the World." He traced the develop- 
ment of the town in its relations to religion, education, material 
affairs and the country. 

At the noon hour and in accordance with the purpose of re- 
producing features of an Old Time Sunday, the people of the 
First Congregational church and those uniting with them 
gathered in the church or on the green, ate the luncheons they 
had brought with them and enjoyed a social hour. At 2 o'clock 
the church bell again rang for the afternoon service in which 
members of other churches in town united. At this service Rev. 
Percy E. Thomas of Rockville spoke upon "The Pilgrims' 
Sources of Inspiration." 



TUESDAY, THE FIRST DAY 



Historical Exercises at the First Congregational Church 

Old Suffield appropriately opened its official celebration of 
the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its settlement with 
a welcome to many sons and daughters returning to their native 
soil, to descendants of old families long ago transplanted in other 
States, and to visitors from neighboring cities and towns with 
whose early history its own was interwoven. With these gath- 
ered the present residents of Suffield to review the history, renew 
acquaintances and revive memories. 

Main street — the High street of the original settlement and 
the old records — was bright with mingled autumnal and national 
colors; at first under a leaden sky, which later cleared and re- 
vealed the natural beauty of one of the fairest of old New Eng- 
land streets in holiday attire. The Town Hall, the business 
blocks, the churches, the library, the Suffield School buildings 
and the dwellings were tastefully decorated with flags and bunt- 
ing, their colors gleaming through the tinted foliage, hanging 
above the broad street and historic Common, rich in town and 
family traditions of two and one half centuries. 

The historical exercises were held in the First Congregational 
Church. The present edifice, the fourth in descent from the 
first Meeting House, was completed in 1870 shortly before the 
celebration of the Bi-Centennial. In this church and on this day, 
October 12th, as fifty years before, the people gathered to re- 
trace the years. 

Seated on the platform were Mr. Edward A. Fuller, chairman 
of the General Committee, Mr. George A. Peckham, the vice- 
chairman. Rev. Victor L. Greenwood, pastor of the First Con- 
gregational Church, Rev. Jesse Smith, pastor of the First 
Baptist Church, Rev. Dryden Phelps of New Haven, Mr. Sey- 
mour C. Loomis of New Haven, Professor William Lyon Phelps 
of New Haven and His Excellency, Marcus L. Holcomb, 
Governor of Connecticut. 



24 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

Following a prayer by Rev. Victor L. Greenwood and the 
singing of "Coronation" by the congregation, Mr. George A. 
Peckham, read the following letter from Hon. Hugh M. Alcorn, 
one of Suffield's sons and residents and a prominent member of 
the Connecticut Bar, who had been chosen to deliver the ad- 
dress of welcome: 

October 6, 1920 
Mr. George A. Peckham, Chairman, 

Speakers' Committee, Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary, 

Suffield, Conn. 
My dear Mr. Peckham: 

I am very sorry to advise you that I cannot deliver the Ad- 
dress of Welcome on the 12th instant, and I would appreciate 
it very much if you would take my place upon that day. Early 
last Spring the Supreme Court of the United States, on motion 
of opposing counsel, advanced for argument a very important 
case in which I am engaged and assigned it for October 12th at 
twelve o'clock noon. I have ever since been expecting, Micaw- 
berlike, that something might turn up to enable me to stay in 
Suffield, but I now know definitely that I am doomed to dis- 
appointment. I deeply regret that my professional obligations 
require me to be in Washington at that time. 

Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) Hugh M. Alcorn. 



Mr. Peckham thereupon extended a welcome in behalf of 
the town and its people in these words: 

It is with deepest regret that our committee announces that 
our honored fellow townsman, State Attorney Hugh M. Alcorn, 
is unable to be with us today to deliver the address of welcome. 

Not being accustomed to the writing or the delivering of an 
address, I find only two reasons for my appearing before you at 
this time: First, by request of Mr. Alcorn; second as a native 
of Suffield and a descendant of a native of Suffield, for although 
my parents were not born in Suffield, my grandmother, Susan 
Smith, was born at what is now called "Wards Corner" in 
West Suffield, August 27, 1800. Also as a direct descendant of 
George Phelps, who came to America in 1630, and settled in 
Windsor, Conn., in 1635, I naturally feel not only a great inter- 
est in Suffield, but also in the State of Connecticut. Two hun- 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 25 

dred fifty years ago our forefathers laid the foundation of this 
beautiful town. 

Today I extend a hearty welcome to the citizens of Suffield, 
to all former residents, to the chief executive of our State, his 
staff, and other state officials, to the Mayor of Springfield, 
Massachusetts, who represents our mother city, to the select- 
men of Blandford, Alassachusetts, who represent our only 
daughter of early days, and to all interested in the commemorat- 
ing of Suffield's two hundred and fiftieth anniversary. 

We meet here to honor those who in the early days so well 
laid the foundations for future generations and all time. To 
those born and educated here many happy memories of old 
times fill your hearts today; many times in years past have 
your thoughts wandered back to your childhood days, and how 
happy are you to return and shake hands with relatives and 
early companions, and view the beautiful spacious streets of 
old Suffield; equally happy are we to extend these greetings to 
you. 

It is interesting to observe how many people are sensible of 
the joys of these pleasant memories. Fifty years ago a similar 
natal day was observed in this same church. Many of the then 
familiar faces are gone, others have come to fill their places. 
Although strangers to you, they extend most cordial greetings, 
for they are honored by your presence. 

Finally, in behalf of the executive committee of this anni- 
versary, the town officers and all citizens of Suffield, I extend 
to every one present a sincere welcome to all the exercises com- 
memorating the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the 
founding of dear old Suffield. 

Mr. Seymour C. Loomis of New Haven, a native of Suffield 
and grandson of the late Daniel W. Norton, who was chairman 
of the General Committee of the Bi-Centennial Celebration of 
1870, delivered the following response: 

It is with deep appreciation of the honor and of the grace and 
confidence of the committee in charge of the celebration of the 
quarter millennium of this community that I respond in behalf 
of the visitors to the eloquent and cordial welcome just given by 
your distinguished townsman. Had I the mind of Dr. Gay and 
Dr. Ives and the facile and logical expression of General Lyman, 



26 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



Judge Granger and Calvin Philleo, I might be able to adequately 
convey the feelings of the guests. 

With hosts so distinguished and so generous as the town of 
Sufheld and her citizens, it becomes us to tender our heartfelt 
gratitude for your pains and thoughts, for your hard work and 
personal attention, that made possible this magnificent cele- 
bration. Such an aifair as this is not conceived in a moment, 
nor accomplished in a day. It means much anxiety and sacri- 
fice to those who father and mother it. But permit me to say 
to you that the subject of your labors justifies all that you have 
done and planned to do. Its influence has been and will be felt 
as the years roll by. 

We celebrate today the foundation of a town that, with a few 
others, made possible the colonies of Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut. Until 1749, against her will, she remained a part of 
Massachusetts though really from the beginning she was a vital 
force in Connecticut. The former colony was loath to give her 
up and she was assessed for twenty years after but the taxes 
were never collected. As a balm to assuage the grief of Massa- 
chusetts that colony was allowed to take those beautiful sheets 
of water known in my boyhood days as Southwick Ponds, a 
place which I always love to visit. 

It has been said that the reason why Suffield went to Con- 
necticut was to avoid the payment of the taxes of Massachusetts. 
But at the time she first evinced a desire to be a part of the 
Constitution State there were no taxes accrued, and an unpreju- 
diced study of history, I think, reveals the fact that she preferred 
Connecticut for basic reasons and, of course, in any form of 
statecraft taxation is of much importance. 

It is certain that Connecticut with her representative govern- 
ment under her Fundamental Orders of 1639, the first written 
constitution given to the world, was more attractive to the wise 
men and women of Suffield than even the benign Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts. Thus, in those early days, in the 
formative period, which afterwards resulted in the Republic, 
Suffield, though originally a part of goodly Massachusetts, saw 
with a keen eye and unerring judgment the advantages of being 
under a rule of law, which one hundred and fifty years afterward 
was the nucleus of the Federal Constitution, a document which 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 27 

has stood the test of peace and war for more than a century and 
is at the present time a model to all peoples, who have the brains 
and sense to govern themselves. This does not mean that each 
individual or even a small or large group of individuals can do 
as they like, but that, as under our system, the most benign, we 
believe, on earth, each person should have his share in the 
electorate, should be given a fair opportunity to have his rights 
and remedies in a court, not of favor, but of law, and should 
have executives capable of execution. 

Though a boy of eight years at the time of the Bi-Centennial 
in 1870, I distinctly remember the events of that great day. 
The greeting of the visitors at the end of the Suffield branch, as 
far as it was then completed just north of the bridge over the 
straight road to Windsor Locks, as they came sliding down the 
bank, was unique. They received, however, a most friendly 
welcome and were taken in carriages to the park about which, 
the same as today, the exercises were conducted. 

Of the many interesting events and functions the one which 
seemed then to impress me the most was enacted in the immense 
tent pitched upon the central park. It was the sturdy frame of 
Captain Phelps then past eighty-six years old. His countenance 
bore testimony to his rugged life. I had heard the stories of his 
prowess with the Hartford pugilist and of his ox-like strength 
on the mountainside and, though his voice was indistinct, his 
stature and the furrows of his face reflected clearly his strong 
and useful life. 

Usually a child has little character delineated on its face, 
but with advancing years, the painters say, the result of all the 
good and evil that a man has done and thought is etched upon 
his countenance in lines which a discerning eye can read as 
plainly as in a printed book. So Rembrandt, the great master 
in portraying character, loved above all the elder faces and he 
makes them tell their story. 

It is within the province of Apollos Phelps' worthy kinsman 
to detail today the history of the town, but I ask your permis- 
sion to briefly allude to a few subjects, which have come under 
my personal observation during the last fifty years, the first 
eight of which I spent, along with many other Suffield boys of 
that time attending school, "doing chores" and working on the 



28 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

ground. The education thus received I prize second to none I 
ever had. To be able to work regularly about a farm, when one 
is in the graded and preparatory schools, is a privilege, if not 
then understood, certainly appreciated in later life. The train- 
ing out of doors in regularity and in practical ways of doing 
things is a valuable complement to the mental instruction. The 
time is fast coming, if it is not already here, when men will go 
back to the land. Food products are the country's greatest 
need and will always continue to be. Suffield, with her wonder- 
ful soil and climatic conditions peculiarly adapted to tobacco, 
a crop which even in its growing is a delight to the soul, is in 
agriculture pre-eminent. 

It is said that as one matures his sincerest gratitude goes out 
to the teachers of his youth, who have conscientiously given to 
him of their life. Such to me were Miss Rising, Miss Halladay, 
afterwards Mrs. Dr. Mason, Miss Nichols, now Mrs. Sterling, 
Miss Fuller, afterwards Mrs. Will Pease, Miss Comey, John 
Coats, Principal Shores, George Rigler, Marcus Johnson, Ed 
Vose, Thomas Gladding and Mr. Marsh. I remember how 
scared I was the first day at the little district school in that part 
of the town hall where the post office now is (Arthur Austin and 
Ed Perkins and others will remember it), and how Mr. Dwight 
Ives, of the school committee, gave me words of encouragement. 
It was doubtless a small thing to him but it was a big thing for 
me and something I have never forgotten. 

I remember the old Dace Hole of Stony Brook where we went 
bathing, or swimming as we called it, and Sherman's Hill and 
the church hill and back of the Institution where we used to 
slide down on the snow and ice with rippers and double rippers. 

In 1878 my father and mother moved to New Haven, an 
undertaking to them attended with considerable courage and 
sacrifice, done largely, I believe, that I might go to college, 
thus creating a debt on my part to which I subscribe my 
acknowledgment. But I hated to leave Suffield and many a 
homesick day I had for the old place. Since that time to the 
present, it has been my privilege to visit my native town at 
more or less frequent intervals. I have noticed the changes, 
which have been gradual but in the aggregate enormous. Of 
the older ones I used to know who have gone to their great 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 29 

reward are Dr. Rising, my grandfather Daniel W. Norton, the 
president of the committee of fifty years ago. Deacon Horace 
Sheldon, the brothers Samuel, Homer and Albert Austin, 
Nathan and Silas Clark, John, Wells, Byron, William, Charles, 
Frank and Burritt Loomis, Charles Bissell, Horatio Nelson, 
Simon B. Kendall, Samuel Reed, Henry P. Kent, Samuel White, 
Julius Harmon, Hezekiah, Luther, Calvin, Alfred and Thaddeus 
Spencer, Deacons Spellman and Russell, James Haskins, Wil- 
liam and Cecil Fuller, George Williston, Gad Sheldon, Cornelius 
Austin, John Hemenway, Warren Cooper; and of the women, 
Elizabeth Philleo, Emily Clark, Lucy Pease, the Misses Gay, 
Mrs. Neland Loomis and the Misses Hemenway; of the later 
ones, the historian Hezekiah Sheldon, Martin Sheldon, Milton 
and Safford Hathaway, Martin Smith, Collins Allen, Dr. Street, 
Newton Pomeroy, Alfred Owen, Frank Fuller, Leverett Austin, 
Leavitt and Charles Bissell, Edmund Halladay, William Peck- 
ham, Watson Pease, Clinton Spencer, Asa Strong, Webster 
Burbank, Ed Latham, Rob Loomis, Charles and Francis 
Warner, and that sweet soul, Dr. Newton; of the women, 
Mary Burr, Helen and Cordelia Archer; Carrie Sheldon, Mrs. 
Byron Loomis, Emily Norton, Emily Gilbert, Polly Austin, 
Georgie Wadsworth and her daughter, Mrs. Schwartz, Cornelia 
Pomeroy, Maria Bissell Pomeroy, Frances Birge Loomis, Carrie 
Spencer, Louise Russell, Emily Spencer, Helen King, Louise 
Hathaway, Huldah Chamberlain and Mary Robinson. 

But the greatest change is in the families. The names on 
yonder Honor Roll are typical of the residents of Suffield now. 
New names are added to the old. Li some cases the old names 
have disappeared. 

The countrymen of the gallant Kosciusko have found homes 
in Suffield. They dwell upon her fertile farms, formerly owned 
by the Spencers, the Bissells, the Warners, the Kings, the 
Grangers, the Phelpses, the Remingtons, the Sykes, and the 
Loomises, et cetera. 

The house my father built, and where we lived when we moved 
to New Haven, is now the house of the Polish priest and the 
barn where we kept the stock is now St. Joseph's Church. 
Napoleon, in his campaigns, was accustomed to desecrate 
cathedrals. At Milan his cavalry horses were stabled (it is said, 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



however, against his orders) in the refectory of the convent on 
whose walls Leonardo had painted "The Last Supper". We 
often now hear of churches being secularized, but we have 
rarely known of a barn being sanctified. At first I felt sorry 
that father's place had not remained in private hands, but as 
I see the uses which are being made of it and the influence for 
good which may follow among the large number of men, women 
and children, who frequent it, I am pleased and satisfied that 
it may serve so good a purpose. 

These neighbors of ours should make good citizens. They are 
destined to play their part in our history. They are as a rule 
intelligent, hard workers, and when they become citizens, as 
they all no doubt hope to be, and as their children surely will 
be, they become Americans first, last and always. This leads 
me to allude to Suffield's part in the World War. She acquitted 
herself with glory as she always does. 

We look with confidence forward to the next fifty years and 
know that Suffield will remain steadfast to the lofty principles 
that actuated the founders two hundred and fifty years ago. 

And now in closing may I paraphrase a song my father used 
to sing: 

Old Suffield, dear Suffield, our home on the lea. 

Our hearts as we wander turn fondly to thee. 

For bright rests the sun on thy clear winding streams, 

And so soft o'er thy meadows the moon pours her beams. 

Old Suffield, dear Suffield, our home on the lea, 

The wanderer's heart turns in fondness to thee. 

Thy breezes are healthful and clear are thy rills. 
The harvest waves proudly and rich on thy hills. 
Thy maidens are fair and thy yeomen are strong, 
And thy rivers run blithely thy valleys among. 
Old Suffield, dear Suffield, our home on the lea, 
The wanderer's heart turns ever fondly to thee. 

Ther're homes in old Suffield where loved ones of thine. 

Are thinking of days of the dear "Auld Lang Syne"; 

And blest be the hour when our pilgrimage o'er. 

We shall sit by those hearthstones and leave them no more. 

Old Suffield, Our Suffield, sweet home on the lea. 

Our hearts as we wander turn ever to thee. 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 3 I 

The quartette consisting of Mrs. Augusta Burbank Couch of 
Suffield, Miss Ruth Remington of Suffield, Mr. Thomas E. 
Couch of Suffield, and Mr. Robert Winn Jones of Hartford, 
accompanied by Mr. C. Luther Spencer at the organ, sang 
"China," which was written by Timothy Swan of Suffield 
about 1800. 

The Historical Address 

Mr. Peckham then introduced the historian of the day. "As 
our historian," he said, "we have secured a descendant of a 
native of Suffield one who for many years has been a professor 
of Yale University; a son of the late S. Dryden Phelps, who was 
deeply interested along educational lines and also wrote 
and delivered the historical poem fifty years ago. It seems 
very proper that our program should include the name 
of this worthy descendant of Suffield. It is with pleasure I 
present Professor William Lyon Phelps of New Haven, who will 
deliver the historical address." The address of Professor Phelps 
follows : 

It is a pleasure for me to be asked to come here and appear 
on the platform in the town that my father loved more than any 
place on earth. I only regret that when I was a boy I did not 
come up here and have him show me about and visit the friends 
he loved. He used to tell me great stories of Captain Phelps, 
who was the heavy weight champion of the town, and all sorts 
of splendid tales of our family. 

I appreciate more than I can express the honor of being in- 
vited to speak at the exercises commemorating the two hundred 
and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Suffield. To me it 
was an especially welcome invitation, not merely because I am 
a Connecticut man, by birth, ancestry, and many years of 
active service, but because my beloved father was born in Suf- 
field, went to school here, and read a poem on the occasion of the 
two hundredth anniversary in 1870. He was then almost pre- 
cisely the same age as I am now, the only difference between us 
being the marked one between poetry and prose. Both my 
father and my mother were born in Connecticut, as were their 
forbears; I was born in New Haven, and went to school not 
far from here, in Hartford. I am a lineal descendant of William 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



Phelps, who came to the neighboring town of Windsor in 1636. 

I mention these things not because I am proud of them, for 
no one can be rationally proud of anything with which he had 
nothing to do; but because I am glad of them; they give me 
certain privileges, among which is the right to represent Suffield 
on this occasion. 

My father, the Rev. Dr. Sylvanus Dryden Phelps, was born 
at Sufheld, May 15, 1816. His father, Israel Phelps, was a 
farmer here, who died when his son was ten years old. There 
was no money; my father worked on a farm, doing a man's 
work when he was a boy. Despite the hard daily toil, he loved 
it, and he always looked back to farm life with happy memories. 
Everything about a farm, the crops and the stock, were always 
to him matters of vivid interest; and when Whittier's Snozv- 
Bound was published in 1866, my father read it with reminiscent 
delight. He went to school at the Connecticut Literary Institu- 
tion, and so, by a curious chance, did my wife's father, Langdon 
Hubbard. When the time came to go to college, my father was 
too poor to pay the expense of travelling; he therefore walked 
from Suffield to Brown University, in Providence, R. I., and 
was compelled to stay out of college one year later in the course, 
in order to get sufficient funds to continue. 

I have never known a man in whom the principle of loyalty 
was stronger than in him. He loved the town of his birth with 
unspeakable affection; he was always talking to me about it; 
he returned here constantly to revisit the scenes of his youth; 
and I do not believe there was any historical, religious, or educa- 
tional anniversary in Suffield where he failed to be present and 
to take part. 

We are all most interested in what concerns us most nearly; 
it is always the local news in the paper we read first, and we 
read with most avidity the account of something we saw the 
day before. Perhaps it is for this reason, that as we grow older, 
we more often look back to the distant past than to the immedi- 
ate future; for the past is familiar, and the future is unknown. 
Certain it is that irreverence, dislike of tradition, and even 
rebellion, are the characteristics of extreme youth; as we grow 
older, we become more reverent, more sensible of the unpurchas- 
able value of tradition, and we become more reconciled to life. 



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CHAIRMEN OF PAGEANT COMMITTEES 



Mrs. George A. Peckham 

Cast and Rehearsal 

W. S. Fuller 

Stage, Grounds, Properties 



Mrs. Charles C. Bissel 

Music 

Charles L. Spencer 

Business and Finance 

Charles R. Latham 

Publicil V 



Mrs. George A. Harmon 

Costumes and Make-up 

George B. Woodruff 

Parking and Policing 



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George H. Peckham Hon. Hugh M. Alcorn Prof. Jack R. Crawford 

Stephen S. Wise L.L.D. ^^'illiam Lyon Phelps, Ph.D. Seymour C. Loomis 

Henrv B. Russell 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 33 



For boys and girls labor under the delusion that man is free, 
that he owes no tribute either to Caesar or to God, and that he 
can follow the path indicated by his own sweet will. As we 
grow older, we discover that freedom — in any complete sense — 
does not exist; that the art of life is to realize its limitations, 
before setting up a practical philosophy; we may then find out, 
that if we cannot live in absolute independence, we can live the 
life of reason with some contentment. The familiar quarrel 
between generations will always go on in the future, as it always 
has in the past; the folly of impatience in youth being matched 
by the folly of misunderstanding youth in old age. Perhaps, 
from a cynical point of view, this quarrel was never summed up 
better than by the Elizabethan poet and dramatist, George 
Chapman. "Young men think old men are fools; but old men 
know that young men are fools." 

Whether we like it or not, we are all governed by the past. 
The books written by men long dead have the largest influence 
in shaping our minds and ruling our conduct; the laws that 
control our duties and privileges as citizens were made by men 
whose names we cannot remember; spirit hands guide our foot- 
steps through life; we think the thoughts of our ancestors, and 
carry into execution conceptions formed by them. The muscles 
of our bodies, and the swifter impulses of our minds are really 
set in motion by thousands of men and women. We have been 
shaped by our traditions. We can add something ourselves to 
these traditions, but we cannot annihilate them, even if we 
would. They are as real as we are. 

Many Americans have such a constant consciousness of in- 
dependence, that they cannot bear the thought of having 
America's destiny in any way influenced by hands across the 
sea. "What! do you mean to say that men in foreign nations 
shall tell us what we shall and shall not do.^"' Now the truth is, 
that not only men in foreign nations have a vital influence on 
our conduct and future acts, but that this is especially true of 
those foreigners who have been dead for many centuries. The 
situation is even more humiliating than we had thought. Bad 
enough to have an outside absentee ruler who is alive — how 
much more insupportable when they have all ceased to exist! 

Nothing is more foolish than to despise the past, or to attempt 



34 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



to rearrange the present without a sound knowledge of history. 
The difficulty with most exceedingly radical reformers is that 
they are deficient in historical knowledge. They do not know 
that the experiment they have in mind has been tried so many 
times without success that some lesson might possibly be gained 
by observation of previous results. "Histories make men wise," 
said Lord Bacon; and they make us wise, not merely because 
history-books were written by wise men, but because history 
itself is the accumulation of human wisdom gleaned from human 
folly. To despise the past is to despise wisdom. For despite 
the glib way in which the word evolution is used, despite the 
immense advances made in personal luxuries, housing, and 
locomotion, despite the amazing diffusion of culture, by which 
reading and writing have become no more conspicuous than 
breathing — there is not one scintilla of evidence to prove that 
the individual mind has advanced a single step, in the power of 
thought, or in the ability to reason, or in the possession of wis- 
dom. The men of ancient times — as represented by their lead- 
ers — were in every respect as able-minded as the best product 
of the twentieth century. 

That "history repeats itself" will seem once more clear if I 
read a short extract from the admirable memorial address de- 
livered at Suffield on the occasion of the two hundredth anni- 
versary, in 1870, pronounced by John Lewis, Esq. Do not 
the following words sound appropriate to the present year? 

"The historian of Suffield labors under certain intrinsic disad- 
vantages. Especially is this true in the present age, when we 
have become so accustomed to grand and startling events. We 
have witnessed the conflicts of mighty armies joined in battles 
more terrific than the world has ever seen before. We have 
witnessed the successful completion of vast industrial enterprises, 
enterprises that revolutionizecommerce, and modify the thoughts 
of Christendom. We have mingled in the discussion of social 
and political questions of the most vital and absorbing interest. 
And we have become so familiar with these magnificent displays 
of power and with these intense nervous and intellectual excite- 
ments, that we are in danger of losing our interest in the ordinary 
affairs of life. It is necessary, therefore, to realize at the outset 
that the history of Suffield will not lead us through a succession 
of these grand events; that its history is not that of a great 
nation, controlling millions of men, dealing with vast resources 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 35 

and setting on foot mighty armies, but simply the history of a 
town But notwithstanding this lack of general inter- 
est, the subject possesses one great advantage which to us may 
well compensate for all others; it is the story of our fathers and 
the history of our native place." 

Why is it that it seems natural, not only to us but to others 
less fortunate, that we should celebrate in this formal and public 
manner the two and one-half centuries of the existence of Suf- 
field? Why is it, that no matter what may be its present condi- 
tion or the possibilities of its future, we are glad of its past? 
Why is it that those who leave the little town and go into huge 
Western cities so often look back with a heartache to these quiet 
scenes? By the rivers of Babylon they sit down and weep, when 
they remember Zion. 

It is because we know the imponderable worth of traditions; 
and we know they come only from years. Even if every man 
had his price, which is not true, there are things beyond all 
price. An English boy who goes to Cambridge or Oxford has 
something in his education far removed from the price he pays 
for his tuition, from the instruction he receives in lectures, and 
from the advantages of modern laboratories. The gray walls 
of the cloisters, the noble old towers, the quiet beauty of the 
quadrangles, represent not only the best in architecture, but 
they are hallowed by the memories of thousands of ghosts who 
once were young men. Lowell once used the phrase, "God's 
passionless reformers. Influences." These influences which are 
silently but chronically active, give something that no recently- 
founded institution can bring, and something that makes the 
so-called almighty dollar look foolishly impotent. Any well 
disposed multi-millionaire can start a well-equipped university; 
but the centuries of tradition that give a tone and a stamp to 
every student in an old college are not for sale. 

A certain independent humour accompanies those who live 
in ancient surroundings — and this humour is the Anglo-Saxon 
way of expressing pride. After dining in Hall with the Dons 
one evening in a college at Oxford, we adjourned after dinner 
to three rooms in succession. I asked one of my hosts if that 
had always been the custom. "No, indeed," said he, with a 
smile; "in fact, it is comparatively recent. We have been 
coming in here after dinner only since the seventeenth century." 



36 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

A wealthy American was so pleased with the velvet turf of the 
quadrangles that he asked an Oxford janitor how such turf was 
produced; it appeared that he wished his front lawn in Chicago 
to wear a similar aspect. The janitor said it was a simple matter; 
all you have to do is to wait a thousand years. Some foreign 
visitors, in talking with Cambridge undergraduates, asked them 
why they persisted in adhering to certain customs that once 
were perhaps fitting, but in modern days seemed absurd; the 
only reason returned to the energetic questioners was, "We have 
always done these things." And there was the implication, 
unspoken, but easy to divine, that if strangers did not like these 
customs, they had the privilege of going somewhere else. 

When the Englishman Thomas Hardy sits down at his house 
in Dorchester to write a poem or a novel, he knows that the 
ground in his garden is filled with the relics of Roman occupa- 
tion — glass, pottery, utensils, and human bones. Twenty 
centuries are in his front yard. No wonder that there is dignity 
to his compositions when their roots go so deep. 

So our village of Suffield may be an insignificant spot on the 
map. We cannot compare with cities of recent growth, nor 
has the census for 1920 any particular excitement for us. We 
do not study the growth of our population year by year, for 
our estimate is not quantitative. If certain towns boast that 
they have advanced in the census fifty per cent, in ten years, 
we may reply that we took a census two hundred years ago. 
From this point of view, Suffield is a perpetual rebuke to those 
who would judge everything by size and number. Why should 
there be rejoicing simply because there are more people in a city 
than there used to be.^ Why should there be boasting when 
the claim is made that we have doubled our population in ten 
years.^ What of it.'' We do not rejoice on a trolley-car when the 
population doubles in two minutes. 

We should ask other questions and have other standards. 
How about quality.^ Are the standards higher than they used 
to be.'' Are our inhabitants better educated, more civilized, 
growing in grace .^ 

I do not believe that the world in general or Suffield in par- 
ticular is degenerating. History moves in spirals, and the 
world has recently had an appalling lapse. But I do not believe 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 37 

in general that we are going back. I do not share the general 
mistrust toward the younger generation, partly because I re- 
member what elders used to say of youth when I was young. 
Now those times once so loudly denounced are held up as an 
edifying model for the youth of today. I rejoice that we have 
a long line of Suffield ancestors in our blood; but I do not be- 
lieve that Suffield then or America then was better than it is 
today; and, if I did think so, don't you see that I should be 
false to my faith in my ancestors.^ If they, with all their virtues, 
were such poor stock that their descendants are all going to the 
everlasting bonfire, how could I regard them with admiration 
and reverence.^ The youth of today are better because the 
original stock was good. 

There is a dramatic side to progress, so dramatic that it is 
almost amusing. There are many who would thoughtlessly 
say that America is now pagan, frivolous, irresponsible and 
irreligious, in contrast with the "good old times" when our 
Puritan ancestors were so stern, strict, and devout. But how 
amazed one of those old Puritan divines would be if he should 
revisit the glimpses of the moon and find it absolutely impossible 
to quench his thirst. In the days when our godly ancestors 
drank often and copiously of heady vintages and distilled 
liquors, when the parson in his pulpit fortified himself for the 
second hour of his discourse with a mug of flip, what would 
they have thought, if thev had been informed that their 
so-often-called degenerate descendants could not get a drink at 
any price ."^ Possibly we are the real Puritans. 

Consider this charming resolution, passed at a society meet- 
ing of the Church here in 1749, when they were considering 
ways and means toward building a new meeting-house for the 
worship of God. It was voted that "the committee should 
provide Rhum, Cyder, and Beer for Raising the new meeting- 
house, at their discretion." Such a program today would raise 
something besides a church. 

I believe in old times, old traditions, old customs, old memo- 
ries; but I do not believe, in comparison with the present, in the 
good old times. That is a lusty myth. Some one dug up a 
fragment in the sands of Egypt that had lain forgotten for three 
thousand years. On it was an inscription that it took a scholar 



38 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

to decipher. When finally translated, it was seen to say, "Ah, 
we are degenerate and evil; we are not noble and strong, as 
they were in the good old times." 

In one of his shorter poems, Tennyson said, 

"That man's the best Cosmopolite 

Who loves his native country best." 

I suppose he meant by that statement, that the man who 
loved his own country was better fitted to love all countries and 
thus become a true citizen of the world, than anyone who, while 
professing to be swayed only by international sentiment, should 
have little affection for any country in particular. We are all 
familiar with the type of man who's filled with enthusiasm for 
humanity, but who never helps any individual; love, like 
charity, should begin at home. It is a singular but a happy 
human characteristic that we all love with unspeakable affec- 
tion the scenes of our birth and childhood; even those who are 
brought up in a particularly detestable climate, will, when far 
away in golden sunshine, become homesick for the fog, the 
mists, and the rain. Many who have left their home in early 
manhood, will return to it in old age, as though drawn thither 
by invisible but irresistible bonds. There is something almost 
holy in this devotion; and it is inspired by such sentiments 
that we meet today. 

It is pleasant to remember that our two hundred and fiftieth 
celebration should come in the same year with the three hun- 
dredth anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims. The greater 
event does not erase the less, but it includes it. If the Pilgrims 
had not come to America, no one can say what the history of 
this locality might have been. We came from them, and they 
came from England. I suppose there never has been a moment 
in the last three hundred years when it was more necessary and 
desirable to dwell on the relations between ourselves and the 
parent stock than now. Although the World War made us 
ally ourselves with England in an endeavour to free the world 
from threatened despotism, no sooner was that definite peril 
passed than new dangers appeared. The natural jealousy be- 
tween allies, the old sentimental antagonism to Great Britain, 
the exigencies of party politics, all worked together for evil. 

It is my belief, that whenever we celebrate the anniversaries 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 39 

of New England towns, we should look back with affection to 
the mother country from which we sprang. At all events, noth- 
ing is more necessary today than open, frank, hearty friendship 
and good will between Great Britain and the United States. 
In fact, all the English-speaking people in the world should 
regard themselves as members of one family; for if these people 
can stand together, peace on earth and good will to men are 
assured; if we allow anything whatever to sow among us the 
seeds of discord, strife, and bitterness, then war will become 
not an acute, but a chronic disease. Little did the settlers of 
SufReld in 1670 think that the language they spoke with each 
other was to be the world-language in the twentieth century; 
for while it is not only impossible, but undesirable that sepa- 
rate nations should give up their native tongues, we have lived 
to see the day, my friends, when the English language is the 
commonest means of communication among the children of 
men. In fact, with the one exception of music, English is now 
the universal language. 

In the summer of the year 1633, a number of the people in 
Massachusetts, finding the local government too autocratic, 
began to look about for some remoter place that would be safe 
for democracy; a small company forced their way through the 
forests and over the hills to the Connecticut River, and came 
back, bringing enthusiastic stories of a pleasant and well- 
watered valley. Two years later a larger number came, and 
reached the fort at Windsor, a few going on to Wethersfield. 
Winter provisions and clothing were sent after them by ships 
through Long Island Sound, but when the boats passed Say- 
brook they found the icy river impossible, and they returned 
to Boston. The lonely people at Windsor and Wethersfield had 
a horrible winter. All the cattle died, and the men, women and 
children had to live on what nuts they could find. About 
seventy of them walked all the way on the frozen river to Say- 
brook, found a little boat imprisoned in ice, cut her out, and 
managed to navigate her to Boston. A few remained, however, 
and held the fort in every sense of the word. Next June, in 
1636, Thomas Hooker, pastor of the church in Newtown, led his 
congregation from Massachusetts through the woods and 
founded the town of Hartford. By the next year fully 800 



40 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

people were living in and in the neighbourhood of Hartford. 
Before Suffield was born, seventeen towns were in existence on 
the banks of the Connecticut River, at various intervals be- 
tween Saybrook and northern Massachusetts. Two of their 
connecting paths ran through what is now Suffield, then called 
Stony Brook. At Stony Brook there was a slender meadow, 
surrounded by trackless forests. Mr. Pynchon of Springfield, 
bought from the Indians the ground on which we are now stand- 
ing and over twenty thousand acres besides, for a sum that 
amounted to less than a cent per acre. 

The attractiveness of the situation here, the excellence of the 
soil, and other advantages, were perceived by the people in 
Springfield, and in the autumn of 1670 they brought a petition 
to the General Court at Boston, asking that they might settle 
at "a place called by ye name of Stony River." This petition 
was granted on the twelfth day of October, 1670; they were to 
have a township six miles square, provided twenty families 
should be living there within five years, and should then pay 
for the support of a pastor. In the individual grants of land, 
made in January, 1671, it was stipulated that in every ten acres 
there should be one acre of meadow. The documents that we 
are most eager to read are unfortunately lost. We know when 
the general petition was granted, we know the arrangements 
made the next year, but we cannot ascertain with certitude 
when the first settlement here was actually made. But the 
"first family" of Suffield, speaking chronologically, was named 
Harmon; Samuel, Joseph and Nathaniel. 

Within two or three years there were thirty-six inhabitants 
by the census; there were two mills, and it is significant that 
one lot was set apart for the minister, and another for the school. 
They knew they could not get along without Christianity and 
without education; if everybody in the world knew that simple 
fact now, the millennium would materialize. In 1674, Stony 
Brook changed its name to Southfield, which being pronounced 
as we pronounce the first syllable in Southerly, quickly became 
by euphony Suffield. In March, 1682, the Town of Suffield was 
first legally organized. There were then between four and five 
hundred people here. Thirty-four only were allowed to vote, 
there being many restrictions by both Church and State, the 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 4I 

town being obliged to follow the laws of Massachusetts, to 
which colony it then belonged. The chief street was High Street, 
where lived the Kings, Hanchets, Remingtons, Grangers, Rents, 
Nortons, Spencers, Sikes. On Feather Street were the Bur- 
banks, Hollydays, Smiths, Trumbulls, Palmers. On South 
Street the Austins, Risings, Millers. On the western road the 
Harmons and Copleys, in Crooked Lane the Taylors, Hitch- 
cocks and Coopers. 

Allow me at this point to quote again from my predecessor, 
Mr. John Lewis, who made the address in 1870. 

"Would that we might lift the veil of two centuries and catch 
a glimpse of the pioneer settlement as it was in 1682. There 
were the primitive highways, whose location I have already 
indicated. But let not the word highways suggest smooth 
turnpikes bordered by a few rods of grassy meadow, and en- 
closed by substantial fences. Think rather of rude pathways 
winding among the stumps and trees, which still occupied the 
land set apart for public travel. Along these pathways were 
scattered the dwellings of the settlers. These were cabins of 
the rudest architecture, containing for the most part but a 
single room, lighted by one or two small windows, warmed by 
the huge fireplace, and furnished with rude stools, and tables 
and shelves, and compelled to answer all the various needs of 
the family. Ricks of meadow grass and stooks of corn were 
carefully reared adjacent to the still ruder shelters provided for 
the cattle. Around these comfortless abodes lay a few acres 
of half-cleared land, with the charred stumps yet standing and 
the green copse about their roots. And beyond this little clear- 
ing, and surrounding it on every side, lay the dark, threatening 
forest, rearing aloft its mighty trunks in defiant grandeur." 

Besides the quarrels that arose from time to time as to the 
boundaries between Suffield and neighbouring towns, for it was 
difficult to fix these with accuracy, the result being that indi- 
viduals decided them with the sole view of their own personal 
convenience and profit, the great and growing dispute was as 
to which colony Suffield belonged — Massachusetts or Connecti- 
cut. Let no one think that these were petty or unimportant 
matters in the eyes of the colonists. Many years ago actual war 
was declared between the towns of Stamford and Norwalk, and 
the young men of both towns eagerly rushed to arms. This 
seems perhaps laughable now; I hope it does; I hope wars 
between nations will seem equally ridiculous three thousand 



42 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

years hence. But then there was considerable feeHng, and per- 
haps it is not without some reason that a man should be inter- 
ested in knowing where he lived. 

Of course Suflfield came from Massachusetts, and Hartford 
did as well. In the year 1713, however, a survey was made, and 
it appeared that Suffield, Enfield, Woodstock, and Somers, were 
really in Connecticut. Now the governments of the two colonies 
settled this matter in defiance of Woodrow Wilson's twentieth 
century principle, that the local inhabitants should decide to 
which country they should belong. Without consulting the 
wishes of the people of Suffield or of the other towns, Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut decided over their heads that Suffield 
was in Massachusetts, and thought to let the matter rest; as 
a quid pro quo, some land in Western Massachusetts was handed 
over to Connecticut; later it was sold, and the money given to 
Yale College, an excellent idea. But the people in Suffield were 
naturally not content with this arbitrary and overhead bargain; 
they continually protested; finally they presented in due form 
through appointed representatives a petition to the Connecticut 
General Assembly. It was not until the year 1749 that the 
Assembly finally decided that Suffield and the other petitioning 
towns belonged to Connecticut. When Massachusetts learned 
of this rather naive decision, she gave notice of an appeal to 
England, which, however, was not carried out, and since 1749 
Suffield has been in Connecticut; and the smoke of her Con- 
necticut tobacco rises like a burnt offering in all parts of the 
world. 

When I was a little boy studying geography — and in my 
childhood we really had to study spelling, arithmetic, and 
geography — I used to wonder how that curious notch came in 
the smooth northern line of my native state. It was always a 
pleasant duty, however, for it seemed a break in the monotony 
of drawing boundaries, to set in that northern notch, as well as 
that strange open fish-mouth in the Southwest. 

In the struggle between Great Britain and France for the 
control of America — a struggle of enormous importance in the 
history of the world, and called over here the French and Indian 
War, as though a series of trivial skirmishes — Suffield did her 
part. Naturally the colonials had to do most of the fighting 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 43 

and the suffering. The first man from Suffield to win national 
prominence came out of the struggle. This was General 
Phinehas Lyman, who commanded the troops contributed by 
our town. He also represented Suffield in both the assemblies 
of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and after the peace of 1763, 
he was given a grant of land near the Mississippi by the British 
government. 

The next great event in our history was of course the war of 
the Revolution, in which it appears that Suffield was actuated 
by precisely the same sentiment of patriotism, independence, 
and hatred of England's arbitrary rule, that was common else- 
where in America. It is interesting to observe in a time when 
there was no telegraph, no railways, no fast post, no Associated 
Press, that the spirit of independence and willingness to fight 
for it spread with such rapidity that all thirteen colonies were 
thinking the same thoughts at the same time. Such a spirit 
does not need mechanical means of transportation; it flies 
through the air. The same story of this war and the prepara- 
tions that led up to it are like others; public sentiment was all- 
powerful, and woe to non-conformists. General Grant once 
said, "God help the man who does not share in public sentiment 
in war time!" He may be called Tory, Copperhead, Pro- 
German, or what not; but by any other name his odour is the 
same. In the year 1770 the colonists formed a league agreeing 
not to import from England, and the language toward dissenters 
has a familiar ring: "Let the goods of such single souled 
wretches that regard nothing but their own interest, that 
Cultivate and Endeavour to promote the Same in a way evi- 
dently Ruinous to their own Country, lie upon their own hands. 
Let their Crime be their punishment, and Should the Deplorable 
Event of the Loss of American Liberty take place, may them- 
selves be accounted as Ignominous, Disgraceful, and Selfish 
mortals, and unfit for Society by Every brave. Noble Patriot 
and virtuous American, and may their Names Descend to the 
Remotest Posterity with all that ignominy and Disrespect they 
so justly merit and Deserve." 

A subsequent resolution passed by our fathers in Suffield 
has, I think, a peculiarly inspiring and affecting appeal to us. 
The above statement was recorded in the Town Book, for the 



44 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



express benefit of posterity, "wherein they may See and behold 
how Careful the present Age have bin to transmit to them the 
inestimable Privileges of Liberty and Freedom, and Excite them 
to the Like Conduct on Similar Occasions." Well, I think the 
Fathers looking down on Suffield in the twentieth century, 
would have no cause for shame. 

In the spring of 1775 we find this brief statement on a pay 
list in a Hartford library: "Marched from Suffield for relief of 
Boston in the Lexington Alarm, April, 1775, Captain Elihu Kent 
and one hundred and fourteen men." 

Company after company was formed here between 1775 and 
1781, and constant town meetings were called to increase taxa- 
tion in order that money and supplies might steadily be given. 
The history of Suffield in those momentous years is the history 
of other American towns. 

It is interesting to remember that two schools of law have 
flourished in Suffield, one headed by General Lyman, and the 
other by Gideon Granger. In the beginning of the last century, 
Suffield had five lawyers, which would seem to indicate a certain 
amount of prosperity, or, at all events, activity. 

There is no better test of the general enlightenment of a com- 
munity than its willingness to make sacrifices for education. 
The history of Suffield in this respect is one of which we may all 
be reasonably glad. We have already observed that at the 
founding of the town a plot of ground was set apart for educa- 
tional purposes. The memorandum makes pleasant reading 
today. The land was "for the support and maintenance of a 
School, to continue and be Improved for and to that use forever, 
without any alienation therefrom." This fine determination 
first bore fruit in 1696, when Anthony Austin became teacher at 
twenty pounds a year— teachers have always been overpaid! In 
1703 was built the first building for educational purposes. The 
curriculum was absolutely sound: reading, writing, arithmetic, 
taught with the aid of a hickory stick. Just as now doctors tell 
us that pains in the feet are often caused by defects in the teeth, 
so our ancestors knew that the quickest way to impress a fact 
on a boy's brain was to make an impression on a remoter por- 
tion of his frame. Early in the nineteenth century the Con- 
necticut Literary Institution was founded in Suffield. This fine 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 45 



school has prepared many boys for college, it has maintained a 
high standard of education and character, and in the spiritual 
history of the town it deserves the first place. 

About one hundred years ago the Connecticut Baptist Educa- 
tion Society began to collect money to establish a literary insti- 
tution in Suffield. The object was to educate young men for the 
ministry. In 1833, after competing offers from other towns, 
Suffield was finally selected. The institution was formally 
opened August 31, 1833. The school house then stood near the 
Congregational Church; 113 scholars were enrolled the first 
year, and sixty-one of these came from Suffield. 

The first head master, Reuben Granger, was so over critical, 
and so fond of the big stick, that the boys became Bolsheviks, 
organized a Soviet and drove him off the platform with various 
missiles. The first regular building was a four story edifice 
erected in 1834. The big bell is still available, but in 1899 the 
building was taken down in order to make room for the Kent 
Library. After the year 1843 girls were admitted to the school. 
A new building was dedicated August 2, 1854, and was reno- 
vated in 1908. In 1898 a high school was formed and an ar- 
rangement was made between the town and the Connecticut 
Literary Institution by which, at a low fee, high school privileges 
were furnished to Suffield inhabitants. 

Mr. Albert Kent, who was a pupil at the Connecticut Literary 
Institution, is, together with Mrs. Kent now honored by the 
Kent Memorial Library, erected to their memory by Mr. Sidney 
Albert Kent in the year 1899. Besides building the structure, 
Mr. Kent gave nearly seven thousand volumes, and now there 
are about twenty thousand books in the building. 

The conservative side of Suffield has its defects as well as its 
virtues. There was a time when the new railway from Hartford 
to Springfield was actually surveyed to run through Suffield; 
with a spirit of short-sighted obstinacy, the townsmen fought 
the project, and the railroad was driven across the river. In- 
stead of finding themselves in splendid isolation as a result of 
this manoeuvre, they and their descendants found themselves 
marooned. The only reason for recalling such an irreparable 
error of judgment is that in future years Suffield may not let 
slip other opportunities for advancement. 



46 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

As I believe that Suffield, in common with other Connecticut 
communities, has progressed over earUer times not only in 
wealth and comfort, education and refinement, but also in 
morals, so I believe — quite contrary I admit to the general as- 
sumption — that physically our young men are definitely superior 
to the pioneers. It is a common mistake to suppose, as so-called 
civilization advances, that morals and physique decline. Mor- 
ally, there is not the slightest doubt that the average of business 
relations and political manipulations is higher than in the 
eighteenth century. Physically, the same is true. The all but 
universal athletic training of both boys and girls, the love of 
games and recreations now daily indulged in by men and women 
who formerly would have been retired to the scrap-heap of old 
age, the immensely better knowledge of such hygienic matters 
as food and fresh air, have all contributed to produce a higher 
grade of physical manhood and womanhood than the world has 
hitherto known. 

It is the common unthinking assumption that the pioneers 
were hardy men and women of superb physique; but the recent 
world war proved that the young men who went into the trenches 
and the young women who went over as nurses and Y. M. C. A. 
helpers endured horrors that no Spartan or Roman or Colonial 
or Pioneer could have supported. And as the physical constitu- 
tion of our young men and women in the twentieth century is 
undoubtedly superior to any previous generations, so the cheer- 
ful willingness displayed by modern youth to give up not only 
luxuries but life, would seem to indicate that so far as the im- 
mediate future of America is concerned, there is no ground for 
pessimism. 

At the conclusion of Professor Phelps' address the audience 
rose and sang "America," and Rev. Jesse F. Smith pronounced 
the benediction. 

Then the great audience following the custom of all New 
England communities, gathered for nearly an hour outside the 
church on the steps and sidewalk. Here was an opportunity 
for old friends to meet, and they availed themselves of the op- 
portunity to the fullest extent. 

Hundreds crowded the rooms of the Masonic Temple which 
had been converted into a hostess house for the exhibition of 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 47 

colonial relics, antique furniture, examples of old needle work 
and fancy work and a multitude of old and valued articles. 
The Town Hall likewise attracted many to see the Miller col- 
lection of Indian relics and relics of the World War, and to 
register at the headquarters of the Reception Committee in 
Union Hall. 

The Collation 

At 2 o'clock about 400 people gathered for the collation 
in the Suffield School Gymnasium which was admirably 
adapted to the purpose and brilliantly decorated with red, 
white and blue streamers from the center of the ceiling to and 
along the walls. Eight long tables extended the length of the 
room to the speakers' table, set at right angles along the north 
wall. All the tables were handsomely decorated with flowers, 
and on the speakers' table were three mammoth anniversary 
cakes. The one in the center, made in the pattern of the 
American flag, bore the legend "250th Anniversary;" those at 
the ends the dates 1670 and 1920 respectively. 

At the close of the collation Mr. Edward A. Fuller, president 
of the General Executive Committee of the celebration, an- 
nounced that under the leadership of Hobart G. Truesdell, 
head master of the Suffield School, the people would join in 
singing some of the familiar songs. Under his leadership, and 
with the accompaniment of the orchestra, "There's a Long, 
Long Trail," "Keep the Home Fires Burning," "Swanee River," 
and "School Days" were sung with spirit. 

Before introducing the toastmaster of the occasion, Mr. 
Fuller expressed the general appreciation of the exercises of the 
morning and regret at the absence of "Hugh Alcorn." "I 
speak of him in this way," he said, "rather than say The Hon. 
Hugh M. Alcorn, because I have been very much interested in 
Hugh. In common with a great many others, Hugh is a product 
of Suffield. The educational facilities of Suffield provided the 
education upon which he has built in the work he has taken 
up. I am interested in Hugh because, in the dark days of 1862 
and 1863, his father and myself, and one or two hundred other 
Suffield boys, were in that line of defense, a picket line that 



48 QUATERR MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

passed along by Falls Church. In those dark days — and they 
were dark days when the battle of Gettysburg was being fought 
— when Hugh's father was defending his country, Hugh's 
mother stuck by the stuff — the job at home — and she saw that 
those children had an education fitting them for the professions 
they are in today. We are all interested in Hugh and regret his 
absence." 

Mr. Fuller then introduced as toastmaster, Prof. William 
Lyon Phelps, who spoke pleasantly of his renewed acquaintance 
with the home town of his ancestors. In introducing Father 
Hennessey of the Sacred Heart Church, as the first speaker he 
said: 

"I ran away from my classes at Yale today — of course they 
feel dreadfully about it; they can not bear to have their teacher 
leave them, even for a moment, but I hope they will recover 
sufficiently to be with me tomorrow morning. I ran away so 
that I might come up here and be with you. When Father 
Hennessey was in college, I gave him an examination; I told the 
class beforehand there would be a whole lot of questions and 
they better study up. But when Father Hennessey took the 
examination, he wrote at the top, 'I plugged all this stuif up, 
but now I can't get the plug out.' There was a man who 
thought he would jump across Niagara, but, in order to jump 
it, he must get a good start. So he went back two miles and 
got so tired running the two miles that he couldn't jump. It 
is a great pleasure to have Father Hennessey, that good old 
Baptist, here. It isn't necessary for him to deliver an invoca- 
tion; where Father Hennessey is, there is a blessing." 

After speaking in appreciation of the occasion Father Hennes- 
sey said: 

"We can't leave the exercises of this day without turning the 
invocation into a thanksgiving, and call upon the Lord God of 
Hosts, the source of power, of truth, of goodness, of mercy and 
love, gratefully showing our feeling for this repast, begging him 
to teach us so we will know we are taught by our sires of two 
hundred and fifty years ago; those teachings which have made 
this good old community of Suffield, the grand old State of 
Connecticut and the more wonderful United States of America. 
Let us ever be mindful that what God has joined together, no 




m 



UFFIELD 

Pageant 



OCT13.2PM 



\ 



SECOND DJOr or CELEBRATION 



"Selling the Land." 



SUFFIELD, CONNEaiCUT 

WILL OBSERVE THE 

250 y? ANNIVERSARY 

OF ITS FOUNDING 
OCT. 12.13 AND 14.1920 

Much Reduced Reproduction of Pageant Poster 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 49 

man shall put asunder; for increased and multiplied are His 
teachings, the teachings of a God of Justice and Truth." 

"There are times of trial and days of darkness when the best 
of us are apt to show our distrust in the providence of God, 
when we are sorely tempted to lose hope and heart in the things 
that are but, if we, like our sires, are seeking first the Kingdom 
of Heaven, we shall understand that it is God who gives and 
God who takes away, that God gives and takes away for our 
soul's safety. Therefore, let us this day show our trust in the 
Almighty Providence of God, and never suffer the weight of 
the body, nor the things of sense, nor the trials of life to fill 
our souls with bitterness. It is a blessing then that I wish you 
all; you who have come to join with dear old Suffield to make 
this occasion memorable." 

Hon. R. U. Tyler, of Haddam, the Democratic candidate for 
Governor in the election soon to occur, was next called upon 
and spoke of his pleasure in joining in Sufheld some of his pro- 
fessional and college friends. "We people down in Haddam," he 
said, "are a little older than you. We celebrated the two hun- 
dredth anniversary of the organization of our first church some 
twenty years ago. Eight years ago, we reached the two hundred 
and fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of the town, and two 
years ago was the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the 
incorporation of the town. I speak of our own experience be- 
cause I can appreciate to some extent the great amount of 
work that people here in Suffield have had to do in order to 
stage this magnificent celebration. It means hard work and a 
great deal of planning, and a great deal of thought and eflfort, 
for which I trust you will feel fully repaid. It is a good thing 
to celebrate the history of our New England towns. I never 
attend one of these celebrations without being reminded of that 
reference to New England which we used to see in our school- 
books, an extract, as I recall, from an oration by S. S. Prentiss: 

" 'Glorious New England! thou art still true to thine ancient 
fame and worthy of thine ancestral honors! A thousand fond 
associations throng upon us, roused by the spirit of the hour! 
On thy pleasant valleys rest, like sweet dews of morning, the 
gentle recollections of our early life; around thy hills and 
mountains cling, like gathering mists, the mighty memories of 



50 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

the Revolution; and far away in the horizon of thy past gleam, 
like thine own bright northern lights, the awful virtues of our 
Pilgrim sires?' " 

The next speaker, Mr. Henry B. Russell, of the Springfield 
Union, spoke of Suffield as his home town, but said that a man 
whose ancestors did not cut down the first trees nor the first 
Indians in Suffield felt almost like a man without a country in 
such a celebration as this. He had found, however, that he 
could bring his ancestors much nearer Suffield than he had 
supposed, because, when they migrated from New Haven 
northward, though they did not stop at Suffield, they stopped 
at the "Suffield Equivalent" which was the ragged edge of the 
present town of Blandford. He also spoke of the loyalty of 
Suffield people who live here or had lived here but had gone 
elsewhere, whether their ancestral roots ran deep into its early 
history or not. 

Major William Alcorn, of New Haven, brother of State 
Attorney Hugh M. Alcorn, spoke of his boyhood days in Suf- 
field; of the service of his father for four years and three months 
in the Civil War, his own service of one year on the Mexican 
border and two in France, and the service of his son and nephew 
in the navy. "Whenever our country called," he said, "Suffield 
was ready. When I came up this morning and saw that honor 
roll on the green, my heart swelled with pride for old Suffield, 
and I felt that she had done in this war as she always had in 
the history of the United States." 

He spoke eloquently of the service in France of the American 
army in which so many races were mingled. When an Italian 
regiment marched by, they were all Italians, the French regi- 
ments were all French, the British regiments were all British; 
there were all kinds in the American army, but they were all 
Americans. They could be distinguished always, because their 
shoulders were up and they carried themselves in that peculiar 
manner that distinguished them as Americans always. 

"In these reconstruction days, my friends, in the days fol- 
lowing this great war, you have a greater duty imposed upon you 
than those who fought over across. You have, as the orator 
this morning stated in response to the address of welcome, a 
different population in the town of Sufl!ield. Faces are strange 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 5 I 

in our familiar town. Strangers and foreigners are coming to 
our land, and it is upon the shoulders of every man, woman 
and child in the United States today to stand firm and fast for 
America, to love and teach Americanism every day of their 
lives, in their private home, on the public streets, in their inter- 
course with everybody, so when the Yanks are gathered to- 
gether, they will be not only Yanks in name, but they will be 
true Americans. 

The Toastmaster than said: "I agree with my friend. Major 
Alcorn, with all my heart. Instead of being filled with alarm 
because we have representatives of all nations, I rejoice at it. 
It is a great compliment to America, not because so many 
people are born here, but because so many people come here 
by their own free choice. I am perfectly certain we can make 
Americans out of them all, good Americans, for they came here 
because they knew that this was the best country in the world 
for opportunity, and if men are not all equal, all have, so far 
as possible, an equal chance; certainly it is more possible for 
people to succeed and go further under our government, under 
the American flag, than under any other government or envi- 
ronment in the world. So if Suffield has some Polish farmers, 
I am glad of it. Someone has got to be a farmer, if we are to 
live. We cannot all sit in the city offices and go to the movies. 
The county of Michigan where I spend three months every 
year, is filled with Polish farmers; they are hard workers; 
they work the way my father used to work; they really work; 
they get right down to the soil. Some of them stand only about 
a foot above it at their full height. The whole family work. 
It is a mighty good thing we have all these contributory streams 
from Europe and they would become good Americans by choice. 

Now, I was perfectly delighted to find two things this morn- 
ing. One was that Mr. Lewis, who delivered the address in 
1870, is still alive and well, although he is on the other side 
of America, and the other is — I have met his son. I have just 
enough of the dramatic about me to think it is highly dramatic 
that in 1870 Mr. Lewis gave the historical address and Mr. 
Phelps gave the historical poem, that the son of Mr. Lewis and 
the son of Mr. Phelps are here today. I wanted him to stick 
close to me to be photographed as the Heavenly Twins, but we 



52 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



are both too modest for that. I am going to ask you to Hsten 
to Mr. Reed Lewis. 

Mr. Lewis said: "I wish I might turn the tables today and 
deliver a poem, as Mr. Phelps did at the celebration fifty years 
ago, but I am unable to do that. Fifty years ago my father, 
a Suffield boy, delivered the historical address, from which he 
has quoted this morning. Today my father is in California and 
is, I know, thinking of this celebration and what we are doing. 
Both as his deputy and in my own right, I am glad and proud 
to be here and to have a small part in your celebration, for I 
count myself, although not a native son, yet a son of Suffield 
through my father and through my many forbears who are 
sleeping on your gracious hills. I can look back in direct line 
to at least two of the first selectmen when your board of select- 
men was organized nearly two hundred and fifty years ago. 

"Such anniversaries as these, it seems to me, not only renew 
the pleasant association of olden times and their memories, but 
they also bring us the inspection of the past and serve the one 
further purpose, to gather from them something of hope and 
wisdom for the future. Again, today we are wont to say or 
think we have arrived; we are prone to believe that the present 
day conditions and our institutions as they exist at this moment 
represent a happy compromise, but, as we turn back on such an 
anniversary as this, we see how great the changes have been in 
fifty, one hundred, two hundred years, and we realize that 
change is the law of life. Conditions are changed between these 
anniversaries, so they must change and develop in the future. 
"Fifty years ago when my father stood here, Suffield had just 
successfully completed its contribution to the great Civil War 
and the saving of the Union. Before the people who were here 
at that time, there extended, could they have seen it at that 
time, a half century of national growth and prosperity, the like 
of which they had never seen. Today we, too, have just com- 
pleted a successful part in a great war; we, too, are looking 
ahead to fifty years of national prosperity, I believe, but more 
than that, to a new era of international understanding and 
friendship. I believe we look forward to a new day in world 
affairs when there will be a great association of nations which 
will represent the community of interests of all mankind, not 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 53 

only here in Suffield and the rest of our United States, but 
other parts of the globe. 

"Suffield, it seems to me, is itself the symbol of that new- 
community and interweaving of interests and relationships. I 
think of all the sons of Suffield who have gone forth to serve 
in other fields, perhaps outside of the State. If I may cite 
myself as an example, three of the last four years I have spent 
in government service in Russia, from the deserts of Central 
Asia where camels are the common beasts of burden, to the 
frozen north and, as I read this morning some of the names on 
your roll of honor, I saw that many of the honored sons of 
Suffield today are of foreign parentage, and that foreign lands 
are contributing to your present population and well-being; 
and it seems to me that Suffield thus typifies that new kind of 
community of interests, and the hope of world brotherhood 
which we may look forward to. So, at an anniversary where we 
celebrate the great achievements of the past, it is perhaps fitting 
we should also pause and give greeting to the great future in 
which Suffield and ourselves and our sons and daughters are to 
have a part." 

At this point Professor Phelps announced that he was obliged 
to leave for New Haven to keep his engagements and, in intro- 
ducing the next speaker, Mr. George S. Godard, Connecticut 
State Librarian, left these parting words: 

"In saying goodby today, which is, I hope, only au revoir. I 
want to thank you again with all my heart for the honor you 
have done me in asking me to come here and make the historical 
address. Suffield has always been very close to my own heart, 
because, as you know, my father was born here and I still have 
so many relatives and dear friends here. I feel from now on it 
will be even closer. I feel everybody in Suffield is somehow or 
other my cousin, my family friend, and I feel I really belong 
here. I have been in some of your houses today. I have looked 
over the wonderful Hostess House with the extraordinary col- 
lection of beautiful furniture. I shall always feel, no matter 
where I am that there is something here that no other town 
can mean to me. So it is with a thankful heart and great 
happiness in coming here that I say goodby, not only to the 
family, God bless them all, and Mr. Fuller, who took me in, 



54 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

and that big fellow, Harmon, and to Father Hennessey, that 
good old Methodist that I brought up, and all the rest of my 
individual friends, but I say only temporarily, I am sure, 
goodby to the town." 

Mr. George S. Godard, State Librarian, urged the desira- 
bility of putting into shape and keeping accessible the early 
town and family records that are fast passing out of existence. 
He asked all to aid him in his work of preserving the records 
of the towns of Connecticut, and last but not least the records 
of the last war. 

The last speaker, Mr. Seymour C. Loomis, of New Haven, 
spoke pleasantly of the significance of the celebration, of the 
old associations of the town and of their values. 



The Community Dance 

No event lent itself more fully to both the spectacular and 
social features of the celebration than the Community Dance 
on Tuesday evening. The idea developed not only from a 
desire to provide such an occasion for a mingling of people with 
no restrictions upon admission, but from an appreciation of the 
facilities that the broad concreted expanse in front of the 
Town Hall and in the broad street above and below, offered 
for an outdoor evening event under suitable illumination. 
Nothing but a clear beautiful night could be lacking for such 
an occasion, and fortunately such was provided. 

The long and broad concreted space was swept for the occa- 
sion and then sprinkled with many hundred pounds of corn- 
meal, and transformed into ample room for a host of merry 
dancers. The space was roped off and about it gathered a 
great multitude of people, either to participate in the dancing 
or to enjoy the unique and beautiful spectacle of hundreds of 
couples swinging gaily under the festoons of electric lights to 
the fine music of the 104th Regiment Band. The rhythmic 
motion, the changing colors up and down the brightly illumined 
street created a wonderful scene and old and young, native and 
foreign born, entered into the brilliant occasion with zest and 
enjoyment. 



WEDNESDAY, THE SECOND DAY 



Organ Recital and Address by Dr. Stephen S. Wise 
at Second Baptist Church 

The celebration of the second day began at lo o'clock in the 
Second Baptist Church which was filled to overflowing, many 
standing in the aisles and doorways. Prayer was offered by 
Rev. E. Scott Farley, pastor of the church. Professor William 
C. Hammond of Holyoke, one of New England's foremost 
organists, opened the exercises with a splendid program of recitals 
upon the organ, and Miss Marie Roszelle, whose mother was 
formerly Miss Belle Wilson of Suifield, gained much applause 
by two vocal selections. 

At the close of the musical program, Mr. George A. Peckham 
introduced the speaker of the day, Rev. Stephen S. Wise, Ph.D., 
LL. D. of New York City. His subject was "Pilgrim's Progress, 
1620 to 1920," and it was peculiarly suited to the occasion inas- 
much as the three hundredth anniversary of the landing of the 
Pilgrims coincides with the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary 
of the settlement of Suffield by men of the same stock and simi- 
lar religious and political purposes. An abstract of Dr. Wise's 
address follows: 

The year 1492, as the elder among you may recall, was not 
celebrated in any such way as the year 1920 is being celebrated. 
The year 1492 was observed after the lapse of four centuries 
with joy and amid thanksgiving, and yet in a spirit wholly dif- 
ferent from that which waits upon the tercentenary of the Pil- 
grims. We could not help recalling then, as now, that 1492 
marked the adventure of a man, but 1920 commemorates the 
adventure of an age. For 1620 is the year which chronicled the 
Homeric daring and nobleness of a whole generation — a genera- 
tion which set out, not to find the gold of India, but to build 
the streets of the New Jerusalem. 

The Pilgrims were pioneers and they and their children have 
never ceased to be pioneers spiritual. The America of the Pil- 



^6 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

grims was a spiritual achievement, the America of the Civil War 
was a spiritual deed. The America of the future — will we dare 
spiritually to pioneer in its upbuilding? 

The two prime purposes of such a commemoration as this are 
to preserve the good of the past and to build for a better future. 
There is much to keep that was. There is more to achieve that 
ought to be. Piety and pride alike lie back of your quarto-mil- 
lenary celebration — pride and gratitude for what was, pride and 
hope for what is to be. Pride of ancestry is a great quality when 
greatly and nobly used. One likes to hear about the sons of one 
group and daughters of another and the great grandchildren of 
yet another, provided each fitly honor the rock whence they 
were hewn, and be not bent upon self-glorification. 

Because I am a Jew, I can sympathize with those who would 
magnify the distinction and the nobleness revealed by their 
fathers. Ancestry is never to be viewed as a privilege, but ever 
as a responsibility. Let us think of our soldiers of the World War 
which we helped to win. No one would say that these were less 
noble than were the battlers of the Revolution, and yet will the 
great-grandsons of the young Americans of 1917 and 1918 be 
entitled to any special credit and distinction because their 
great-grandfathers were of the heroes of the World War? Para- 
phrasing the word of Mark Twain spoken before the New Eng- 
land societies, what shadow of right have you to celebrate in 
your ancestors gifts which they alone did exercise but not 
transmit? As the grandsons and great-grandsons of the war of 
1917 and 1918, these will be entitled to the privilege of serving 
and battling as did their sires, to the distinction of being braver 
and nobler than were their heroic ancestors. 

The progress of the Pilgrims to a new world ranged from 1620 
to 1920 — up to this time; 1920 is no more a goal than 1620 was 
a starting point. The progress of the Pilgrims began when men 
first pioneered in behalf of a nobler life, a larger truth, a broader 
charity. 

We cannot today stand where stood the fathers of New Eng- 
land or the founders of the town in which you dwell. We cannot 
think as did the fathers of the Republic. We cannot be where 
Washington was nor stand where Lincoln stood, but we can aim 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 57 

to be where they would have been were they living today. We 
can in spirit be again what they were. 

The Pilgrims of 1620 did not leave England behind. They 
brought England with them and transplanted England to a new 
world and built an England new. The Englishmen who came to 
build a new England were truer to the old England than those 
they left behind. These brought to the New World the English 
mind, its qualities — and, some will add, its defects. But its 
qualities far outranged its defects. They brought the spirit of 
England — what Rupert Brooke called "the English air." I 
remember to have heard William Stead say that the American 
Revolution was not as against or away from England, but in the 
reaffirmation of English principles forgotton for an hour by Eng- 
land's un-English rulers. 

In order to be true to England, the Pilgrims or England's emi- 
grants had to leave England behind them. Out of England, 
they came immediately after that age in which England had 
been at its greatest — the England of Elizabeth and Shakspere — 
and the foundations which they laid of the America which was 
to be were English through and through. Theirs was the courage 
of the pioneer, the fineness of justice and the nobleness of verac- 
ity. 

I urge today that it was England that laid the foundations of 
New England, that Englishmen give to our country its bent and 
inspiration, that they flowered in that perfect product of the 
blending of the old England and the new England (despite Low- 
ell's "Nothing of Europe Here") — Abraham Lincoln. This, I 
urge, because there are those who would move us to forget the 
debt we owe to England, the bond that links us with England 
and the common aims of the two great English-speaking peoples 
of earth. 

The year 1920 would lose much of its highest value to America 
if it failed to establish a finer amity and a more brotherly under- 
standing between the two great commonwealths which more 
than any other nations have it in their power to keep and to 
deepen the peace of the earth. 

The progress of the Pilgrims must be from the making of the 
new England the foundations of which they laid, to the estab- 
lishment of the new America, which their children's children 



58 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

are called upon to build. Ours is a republic, which cannot truly 
endure unless the Pilgrims of 1920 share the passion of the Pil- 
grims of Plymouth Rock for the res publica, or for the common 
good. 

The new America must be more completely and truly and 
holily democratic than it has been before, its people, self-gov- 
erning outwardly and self-disciplined inwardly — a democracy 
belonging to no party and no class and no sect but served as a 
veritable religion by every party and every class and every 
sect within the limits of the land. Over and above all, the Amer- 
ica for which all Americans ought to be must be for all the world, 
keeping the world to the noblest ends of peace. 

In 1620 the Pilgrims took themselves away from the Old 
World. In 1920, the children's children of the Pilgrims take 
themselves back to the Old World. Then they left the Old 
World in order to serve God and conscience. Now, in truth, 
they must go back to the Old World at the bidding of God and 
conscience to serve the Old World. 

"Mayflower, Ship of Faith's best Hope! 
Thou art sure if all men grope; 
Mayflower! Ship of Charity!" 
All is true the Great God saith; 
Mayflower, Ship of Charity! 

With the singing of "Blest be the Tie that Binds," and the 
benediction the people scattered for the noon hour and to join 
the many who were coming into the town from neighboring 
places to witness the Pageant of the afternoon. 



THE PAGEANT OF SUFFIELD 

Written by Prof. Jack Crawford of Yale University 
and Produced by Sufield People 



The spectacular event of the celebration was the historical 
Pageant written by Mr. Jack R. Crawford, Assistant Professor 
of English in Yale University, and enacted by townspeople on 
the south banks of Stony Brook a little above the Old Boston 
Neck Mill Dam which, according to tradition, was first con- 
structed by Major John Pynchon in 1687 to secure power for 
a corn mill he had engaged to build to promote the settlement 
of the town. Aside from its historic significance, the place was 
peculiarly suited for such a pageant. From the level and nar- 
row meadow through which the tree-bordered stream runs, the 
pasture ground rises gradually and evenly, thereby providing a 
natural amphitheater for the spectators to view the scenes en- 
acted on the level stretches below. 

To the left of this natural stage lines of cedars were stuck 
into the ground closely together, providing a screen from which 
the actors in the various scenes issued, and behind which they 
retired as each episode ended. It was a beautiful day and the 
afternoon sun, as it hung above and sank towards the crest of 
the higher ground to the south, shaded the audience while it 
fell brightly on the brilliant and quaint costumes of the actors 
in the historic scenes and lit the autumn foliage of the graceful 
old trees, mirrored in the smooth waters of the brook in the 
background. On the brook at times wild duck disported, flying 
occasionally up the stream and returning to again add to the 
picturesque features of the living pictures of long ago. The 
gleaming paddles of the canoes of the Indians, as they came 
to confer with the white men in Puritan garb, added to both 
the beauty and realism of the scene. The setting was ideal, 
the pageantry spectacular and graceful, the action excellent. 

Nearly six hundred men, women and children of the town took 
part with spirit and ability. The costumes were designed by 



6o QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

Miss Mary McAndrew of New York, and were mainly made for 
the occasion by the women of Suffield, the exception being the 
typical costumes of the men of Puritan and Revolutionary 
times provided by a Springfield costumer. 

As the hour for the opening of the Pageant approached, the 
people gathered on the hillsides where a host of ushers led the 
way to the seating of a multitude that numbered nearly 7000. 
Ample space was provided in adjacent lots for the parking of 
automobiles and all arrangements for so large a gathering of 
people were carefully made and successfully carried out. Previ- 
ous to the opening of the scenes. Shorts' band gave a pleasing 
concert. The prologue of the pageant covered the inception 
of the Pilgrim Idea in Holland and an allegorical representation 
of the wilderness to which they came, while the succeeding 
episodes represented the epochal incidents in the two hundred 
and fifty years of Suffield history. 

SYNOPSIS OF THE ACTION 

I 
Prologue — The Idea Goes Forth 
Scene — Leyden, Holland, 1620. 

Characters 

John Robinson, a Pilgrim preacher, from Scrooby, Notting- 
hamshire. Mr. Howard Henshaw 
John Carver "1 Pilgrims Mr. Howard D. Sikes 
Edward Winslow j Mr. Samuel H. Graham 
Miles Standish, a soldier Mr. Howard C. Cone 
The Stranger Rev. E. Scott Farley 
A Ballad Seller Miss Lucille Wilson 
Dutch peasants, strolling actors, market women, acrobats, 
boatmen and exiled Pilgrims from England. 

Pilgrims. Mr. Leroy Sikes, Mrs. Charles S. Spencer, Mrs. 
James Spencer, Mrs. George L. Warner, Mrs. Frank Smith, 
Mrs. Frank King, Mrs. E. G. Hastings, Miss Alice Prout, Miss 
Madeline Spencer, Mrs. Howard Sikes, Miss Talulah Sikes, Mr. 
George Sheldon, Mr. George Warner, Mrs. Frank Reid, Mrs. 
David L. Brockett, Frank Smith, Shirley Reid, George Trues- 

dell. 

Dutch Peasants. Isabelle Greer, Mrs. Henry Phelps, Doro- 
thy Brown, Lilla Brown, Mrs. Earl Spaulding, Mr. Charles 
Chaplin, Mrs. Charles Chaplin, George Chaplin, Mr. Bert Gil- 
lette, Mrs. Bert Gillette, Anna Gillette, Mr. Samuel Adams, 




Q 



c 
o 

H 
Z 

< 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 6l 

Mrs. Samuel Adams, Louise Adams, Mr. George Parks, Mrs. 
George Parks, Ruth Brown, Eunice Brown, Robert Adams, 
Elizabeth Jones, Geraldene Jones, Florence Smith, Mr. Charles 
E. Raskins, Mrs. Charles E. Haskins, Mrs. O. L. Allen, Wallace 
Rhaum, Louise McComb, Mrs. Bridge, Thelma Bridge. 

Market Women. May Horsefall, Mary Roche, Mrs. Patrick 
Keohane, Minnie Wilson, Mrs. William S. Fuller. 

Acrobats. Capt. H. A. Lorenz, Henry Dewey. 

Strolling Players. Emerson Carter, Karl Anderson. 

A fair is in progress outside the walls of Leyden. Groups of 
Dutch peasants are making merry among the stalls and booths. 
A ballad seller passes among the peasants, singing. Strolling 
players and acrobats pass. The whole populace is rejoicing. 

In the midst of the pleasures and confusion of the fair, a sol- 
emn chant is heard in the distance. John Robinson and his little 
band of Pilgrim exiles from England appear and come forward. 
With Robinson are John Carver, Edward Winslow and Miles 
Standish. The Dutch peasants make way respectfully for the 
Pilgrims. The latter kneel in prayer a moment and then John 
Robinson addresses his flock. 

He reminds his followers that they are met to take solemn 
counsel among themselves. It is now twelve years since they 
came to Holland seeking liberty of conscience and the right to 
worship God in their own way. The truce between Holland and 
Spain will soon expire, and Robinson fears that once more fire 
and sword will ravage the land, thus imperilling the Pilgrims. 
He points out that it is not possible to return to England, for 
there they would again meet persecution. Robinson has, there- 
fore, summoned his followers and proclaimed a day of humilia- 
tion to seek the Lord for his direction. 

But far across the seas, the old Preacher says, there lies a new 
world where men may live in freedom. It is, therefore, his 
thought that a band of volunteers might venture overseas to 
make a home for the others. One or two murmur at the dangers 
of the voyage; others, more numerous, proclaim their trust in 
Robinson. 

At this moment there enters the mysterious figure of The 
Stranger. Robinson and the Pilgrims are amazed, for they know 
not this man. The Stranger bids Robinson to send his followers 
on the voyage without fear. Although they shall encounter 



62 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

perils, yet will they achieve their purpose if they are steadfast 
in faith. With these words The Stranger disappears as myste- 
riously as he came. 

The decision to go to America is then taken and Robinson 
appoints Miles Standish one of the leaders. Again the Pilgrims 
pray for guidance in this new venture and the scene closes with 
Robinson leading off his flock. 

INTERLUDE I. THE WILDERNESS 

Characters 

The Mist School children of Suffield and West Suflield 

The Breeze Miss Grace Hastings 

The West Winds School children of Suffield and W\ Suffield 
Indian Hunters Elliot Hastings, Hugh Greer, Harry Warren 
The Pine Tree Mr. LeRoy Creelman 

The Oak Tree Mr. George Creelman 

The Maple Tree Mr. Kirk Jones 

Storm Mr. Ralph Raisbeck 

Frost Mr. Myron H. Van Wormer 

Snow Mr. Eric Provost 

The Stranger Rev. E. Scott Farley 

A Puritan Preacher Mr. D. F. Sisson 

A Band of Indians 

Indians. Raymond Dexter, Charles Mulligan, Robert Sack- 
ett, Ronald Dickson, Ralph Grain, Raymond Townsend, Charles 
Nielson, Warren Bunnette, Edmund Thain, Matthew Walker, 
Stuart Kleinert, Charlton Bolles, Edward Lockwood, Charles 
O'Connor, Malcolm Pearce, Adolph Stage, George Heris, Dennis 
Patterson, Herbert Wells, Henry Stoddard. 

Indian Hunters. Lloyd Sloan, Hugh Greer, Elliot Graham. 

Mist and West Winds. Ethelyn Fitzgerald, Mabelle War- 
ner, Jessie Maznicki, Kostek Krupienski, George Brown, Frank 
Krusinski, Muriel Whitman, Kathryn Fuller, Mae Adams, Bea- 
triceChaplin, FrederickBidwell,HelenMaznicki, Francis Keohane, 
Elderia Bell, Eleanor Phelps, Catherine Spencer, Florence Warner, 
Hazel Sparks, Harold Sparks, Margaret Raisbeck, Fred Gillette, 
Annie Mazeska, Henry Mazeska, Louise Albert, Douglas O'Brien, 
Helen Truesdell, Winfield Gregg, Charles Fuller, Madeline John- 
son, Laureen Fuller, Norma Wilbur, Frank Smith, Edward 
Makjeska, Howard Gillette, William Ratkavatz, Walter Rat- 
kavatz, Edward Graboski, Elizabeth Webalier, Henry Sobienski, 
John Shawley, Margaret Dineen, Isabelle Hollack, Sophie Al- 
bert, Anna Kraiza, William Pinney, Paul Donnelly, Donald Ber- 
cury, Bella Ruthkowsky, Edward Donnelly, Marjorie Reid, An- 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 63 

thony Carney, John Zubowsky, Jerry Hayes, Staffie Bulawski, 
Rosie La Fountain, Gertrude Phelps, Lois Adams, Ralph Zace, 
Lucille Morton, Thelma Adams, Victoria Birtch, Steve Oso- 
wieski, Mary Osowieski, Russell Adams, Joe Zera, Stella Die- 
ninski, Joe Goodrich, Julia Czertarik, Vincent Horanzy, Stanley 
Horanzy, Eleanor Smith, Jessie O'Brien, Ada Halloway, Mary 
Cusick, Sidney Jones, Thomas Eagleson, Lawrence Nicholson, 
Louis Rickey, Curtis Warner, Kathryn Fuller, Marion Jacobs, 
James Jones, Frank Janik, Philip Koster, Charles Clement, 
Eloise Warner, Lillian Warner, Evelyn Spencer, Eloise Hauser, 
James Valenski, George Chaplin, Joseph Lowe, Grace Bridge, 
Edmund Bercury, Bessie Morton, Jeanette Hart, Tony Sheaha, 
Dominica Urbanowski, Mary Civickla, Mildred Johnson, Jennie 
Majeska, Annie Denro, Theresa Seeley, Eunice Brown, Hattie 
Brewster, Gladys Bessett, Edward Miller, Agnes Morahan, 
Dorothy Fuller, Lottie Denski, William Miller, Lillian Hollo- 
way, Samuel Biggerstaff, Allawishes Cynoski, Mildred Smith, 
Evelyn Phelps, Celia Organek, Stafamia Janik, Elizabeth Phelps, 
Lavinia Raisbeck, Edward Maleski, Victoria Maleski, Helen 
Majeska, Stanley Avias, Sophie Zavisa, Helen Alfano, Frank 
Baron, Harold Johnson, Tony Ciak, Elsa Belden, John Bercury, 
William Brackoneski, Ruth Chapel, Anna Cooper, Jennie Crow- 
ley, Michael Civikla, Joseph Cynoski, Elizabeth Devine, Mar- 
garet Eagleson, Myra Ford, Nellie Fuller, Doris Gantz, Leland 
Gardner, Anna Gales, Ada Holloway, Helen HoUoway, Barbara 
Jesse, Leo Kulas, Klemens Lucas, Felka Marnicki, Richard 
Mier, Katherine Monahan, Doris Nicholson, Mae Parsons, 
Katherine Prophet, Mamie Pysg, Elliot Sikes, Gertrude Swa- 
lek, Norman Thompson, Anna Turek, Victoria Wallace, Roland 
White, Miriam Greenwood, Richard Koster, Robert Alcorn, 
William Jackson, Virginia Brewster, Lester Hart, Ralph Ander- 
son, Norman Brown, Lewis Belden, Agnes Barnack, Mildred 
Denley, Dorothy Hayes, Gladys Thorne, Meade Alcorn, Sumner 
Adams, Kenneth Adams, John Leahey, Merlyn Adams, Thomas 
Blake, Daniel Barnett, Alvia Toplin, Helen Oppenheimer, Ade- 
laide Toplin, Hazel Chapman, Evangeline Barresford, Catherine 
Donnelly, Helen Zako, Doris Sparks, Irene Brown, Henry Mc- 
Gourn, Marjorie Orr, Dorothy Case, Nellie Gifford, Kenneth 
Orr, Thomas Carmody, Leverne Root, Charles Markiel, John 
Biggerstaff, John Lennon, Walter Sheridan, Henry King, John 
Carroll, Felix Markiel, Edward Phelps, Alexander Baker, James 
Weldon, Burton Root, Douglas Adams, Howard Lillie, Eunice 
Root, Sophie Harreson, Alphonso Zenesky, Rose McGourn, 
Pearl Edwards, Estella Edwards, Margaret White, John Don- 
nelly, George Zukowski, Beatrice Orr, Mary Kahl, Nellie Zera, 
Janice Orr, Stewart Adams, Elinor Adams, Celia Romano, Helen 



64 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

Karpinski, Chester Felkoski, Elina Covington, Junior Root, 
Ruby Collins, Oliver Oppenheimer, Harry Falkouski, Donald 
Root, Alec Harpenski, Francis Prekop, Joseph Skrouski, Charles 
Weldon, Frank Bidwell, Steven Bienenski, William Barnett, 
Stanford Deno, John Orr, Howard Colson, James Barnett, Lewis 
Champigny, Earnest Case, Antoinette Markel, Anna Lennon, 
Irene Champigny, Anastasia Sheridan, Lucille Case, Ethel Smith, 
Agnes Gilligan, Mae Biggerstaff, Marjorie Pinney, Rosaline Col- 
son, Evelyn Orr, Jennie Sheridan, Grace Taylor, Nettie Bud- 
dington, Dorothy Deering, Anna Prekop, Annie Smith, Ethel 
Griffin, Eva Bidwell, Mary Colson, Mildred Orr, Winnie Willson, 
Louise Kuras, Tafila Kuras, Marion Rouelle, Mary Rague, Ida 
Beckwith, Elizabeth Southergill, Lucy Smith, Ethel Warner, 
Muriel Fitzgerald, Agnes Gilligan, Annie Zeneski, Conception 
Ganzaley, Helen Weldon. 

An open space along the fringes of the great forest on the 
banks of the Connecticut. Slowly a cloud of mist rolls over the 
foregrounds. Above, the trees tower up. The Breeze comes 
and gently blows the mist away. Some Indian hunters pass in 
search of game. 

A Pine Tree rebukes the Oak and Maple for permitting mor- 
tals easily to pass through the wilderness. The Oak replies that 
it is not from these mortals — the Indian hunters — that the trees 
have anything to fear, but the Breeze has brought news of an- 
other race of white men who use whole forests in the building 
of their towns. 

Alarmed by these tidings, the Pine Tree calls upon Storm, 
Frost, and Snow to come to the aid of the wilderness against the 
white men. These spirits all pledge their aid, willing to unite 
against the common enemy. 

The Stranger, however, appears and it seems he can speak 
the language of the trees. He tells the trees that their efforts 
will be in vain, for the white men have come to found a kingdom 
greater than any the wilderness knows. The Stranger vanishes, 
leaving the trees murmuring among themselves. 

The scene ends with a band of Indians coming into the forest 
to make a camp. A Puritan preacher, bearing in his hands the 
Bible, comes among the Indians and is well received by them. 
Thus the trees of the forest see for the first time a white man. 




The Breeze in the Forest tells the Red Men of the Coming White Men 



k'- "' .. 




^ 1^ / / ^Ip 


4 


■ j 




in f^ 





Major Pynchon Reading the Treaty to Pampunkshat and Minouasques 




The Stranger Urging the Pilgrims tu \ oyagc tu the New World 




The First Town Meeting, Major Pynchon Presiding 




Benjamin l-'ranklin Sur\ eying ihe Post RoLite Throutrh Suffield 




Capt. Elihu Kent and Minute Men Hear the Lexington Alarm 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 65 

EPISODE I. THE EARLY DAYS OF SUFFIELD 

Scene I. The Founding of Suffield, 1670. 

Characters 

Pampunkshat, an Indian Chieftain Mr. Allen Sikes 

MiNOUASQUES, an Indian Princess Mrs. James Eagelson 

A Runner Mr. Sherwood Allen 

Major Pynchon Mr. Samuel Barriesford 

Samuel Marshfield Mr. Howard F. Russell 

Samuel Harmon Mr. Charles R. Latham 

Nathaniel Harmon Mr. David L. Brockett 

Joseph Harmon Mr. George A. Harmon 

Zerubbabel Filer Mr. Hubert Scott 

Robert Olds Mr. Thomas F. Cavanaugh 

The Stranger Rev. E. Scott Farley 

Indian warriors, settlers, and their wives and children. 

The Indian chieftain, Pampunkshat, laments to the Princess 
Minouasques the encroachment of the white men upon the hunt- 
ing grounds. He" is debating whether to sell the lands, as the 
white men wish, or to make war upon the intruders. The prin- 
cess counsels peace, because she recognizes that resistance to 
the weapons of the white man is useless. Reluctantly, Pam- 
punkshat consents to sell. 

A runner announces the coming of Major Pynchon and the 
settlers. The latter enter and Major Pynchon reads the terms 
of the treaty by which the land is to be bought. Contemptuous 
of the white men's bargaining, Pampunkshat accepts the offered 
thirty pounds in gold, and, after signing a mark to the document, 
smokes the pipe of peace with Major Pynchon. The Indians 
then depart in sadness. 

The Major and his settlers thereupon begin to apportion the 
lands and to lay out the limits of the town. The Stranger 
appears to warn the settlers that only by labor and courage 
will they be able to achieve their task. Major Pynchon is sur- 
prised at the coming of this unknown and takes him for some 
itinerant preacher carrying the Gospel of the Indians. When 
The Stranger has gone, Major Pynchon leads in prayer and asks 
a blessing on the town his followers have come to found in the 
wilderness. 



66 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

Scene 2. Suffield in King Philip's War, 1675. 

Characters 
Hezekiah, the Boatman, Mr. George A. Martinez 

Samuel Harmon Mr. Charles R. Latham 

Launcelot Granger Mr. Watson L. Holcomb 

Major Pynchon Mr. Samuel Barriesford 

Medicine Man Mr. T. J. Nicholson 

Storm Mr. Ralph Raisbeck 

Frost Mr. Myron H. Van Wormer 

Snow Mr. Eric Provost 

The Pine Tree Mr. LeRoy Creelman 

The Oak Tree Mr. George Creelman 

The Maple Tree Mr. Kirk Jones 

The Stranger Rev. E. Scott Farley 

A Youth Horace Smith 

Settlers, Indian warriors of King Philip. 

Song, by Miss Grace Hastings. 

Settlers. Frank King, Robert Edwards, Judson L. Phelps, 
Henry Roche, Frank Zudowski, Frank Ford, Ralph Ford, 
Clarence Towne, Nelson A. Talmadge. 

Hezekiah, the Boatman, arrives to take some of Samuel Har- 
mon's beaver skins down the river to the market. He speaks 
of the rumors of an Indian uprising, but Harmon makes light 
of Hezekiah's fears. It is true that word has come of King 
Philip's attacks upon the Rhode Island plantations. Harmon, 
however, does not believe that the Indian chieftain. King 
Philip, will come as far as Suffield, for the settlers have always 
lived on good terms with the Indians in this vicinity. Harmon, 
nevertheless, feels it is his duty to report what he has heard to 
Major Pynchon. 

The latter decides to take such steps as are possible to put 
the little settlement in a state of defence. The Medicine Man 
of the Indians now comes in and calls upon the spirits of the 
Wilderness, Storm, Frost, Snow, and the Forest Trees, to aid 
the red men in their work of destruction. In vain The Stranger 
warns the Medicine Man that the white men will conquer the 
spirits of barbarism. 

A youth, escaping from the pursuing Indians, staggers in and 
falls at Major Pynchon's feet. A moment after the Indians 
begin their attack. The settlers, surrounding their women and 
children, are compelled to flee. The Indians, in triumph, de- 
stroy by fire the town. 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



67 



Scene j. The First Suffield Town Meeting, 1682. 



Characters 



The Stranger 
The Pine Tree 
The Town Crier 
Major Pynchon 
Town Clerk 
First Townsman 
Second Townsman 
Samuel Kent 
Anthony Austin 
Samuel Marshfield 
Luke Hitchcock 
Selectmen 

Thomas Remington 

John Barber 
Townsfolk of Suffield. 



Rev. E. Scott Farley 

Mr. LeRoy Creelman 

Mr. John L. Wilson 

Mr. Samuel Barriesford 

Mr. William J. Wilson 

Mr. George L. Warner 

Mr. Clinton D. Towne 

Mr. Frank Kent 

Mr. James N. Root 

Mr. Howard F. Russell 

Mr. Bernie E. Griffin 

Mr. S. R. Spencer 
Mr. P. D. Lillie 



The Stranger tells the Pine Tree that the Wilderness has now 
been conquered. The Pine Tree acknowledges the defeat. Then 
the Town Crier enters to proclaim the first town meeting. 

Major Pynchon and the townsfolk assemble and the major 
presides. After the call for the meeting has been read, the 
transaction of business is begun. First, five selectmen are 
elected. Anthony Austin is chosen clerk. Major Pynchon ap- 
points Samuel Marshfield, of Springfield, land measurer for the 
ensuing year. Luke Hitchcock is made sealer for leather. Upon 
the question of fixing the statute date for the next town meet- 
ing, two of the settlers have a dispute which is, however, 
amicably settled by the intervention of Major Pynchon. 

With the appointment of Mr. Trowbridge as schoolmaster 
the meeting ends. The Stranger shows how the white men have 
brought law and order into the Wilderness. 



INTERLUDE H. 

A Colonist 
His Wife 
Their Child 
Tax Collector 
Tyranny 
The Stranger 
A company of Red 



THE STRUGGLE OF FREEDOM, 1776. 

Characters 

Mr. Howard R. Sheldon 

Miss Helen Cavanaugh 

Beatrice Caldwell 

Mr. William E. Culver 

Mr. Harold K. Perkins 

Rev. E. Scott Farley 

Coats, and a band of Embattled Farmers. 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



Farmers. William H. Orr, Burton R. Spear, S. L. Wood, 
Frank S. Briggs, Forrest M. Spear, Allen McCann, Richard M. 
Loomis, Samuel A. Graham, John O'Malley, Andrew Sweat- 
land, Ernest Warner, Clarkin Collins, Robert Greer, Thomas 
Greer, Walter Greer, Robert McCann, Hanford Taylor, Herbert 
Warren, Bert Holcomb. 

Red Coats. Morgan Stratton, Merton Stratton, Judah 
Phelps, Roy Briggs, Frank McCann, Hugh Greer, Ralph Pome- 
roy, Joe Claudell, Samuel Orr, Jr., George Greer. 

The action of this interlude is in pantomime. It foreshadows, 
symbolically, the cause of the Revolutionary War. 

A Colonist, his wife, and child, are supposedly sitting peace- 
fully by their hearthstone. There comes to them a Tax Col- 
lector, with the demand for the payment of an unjust tax. 
The Colonist refuses, in spite of the Collector's threats. 

The latter goes, only to return with Tyranny and a company 
of Red Coats. Again the Colonist refuses the demand for the 
tax, whereupon Tyranny commands the Red Coats to seize the 
Colonist and bind him. The Stranger is, however, a witness to 
the scene. He rushes out and summons the host of Embattled 
Farmers. They, with their flintlocks, drive away Tyranny and 
his Red Coats, and set the Colonist free. The scene ends to the 
strains of "Yankee Doodle." 

EPISODE II. THE REVOLUTION 
Scene i. Benjamin Franklin surveys a road through Suffield. 

Characters 
A Peddler Mr. H. Leslie Pomeroy 

First Townswoman Mrs. A. B. Crane 

Benjamin Franklin Mr. A. B. Crane 

DiccoN, his assistant Karl Koehler 

The Stranger Rev. E. Scott Farley 

Townswomen and men of Suffield. 

Townsmen and Women and Children of Suffield. Mrs. 
Thomas Cavanaugh, Mrs. Herman Ude, Mrs. William Cusick, 
Miss Mary Quinn, Mrs. Francis Collins, Miss Ruth Anderson, 
Mrs. William M. Cooper, Mrs. Sara Street, Mrs. Edward Per- 
kins, Miss Helen Knox, Miss Barbara Collins, Miss Mildred 
Caldwell, Miss Marjorie Adams, Miss Cora Adams, Mrs. H. A. 
Lorenz, Miss Verna Anderson, Mrs. Samuel A. Graham, Mrs. 
Matthew Leahey, Mrs. George Sheldon, Mrs. George B. Wood- 
ruff, Mrs. George Hastings, Mrs. F. S. Bidwell, Jr. Mrs. Benoni 
Thompson, Mr. Benoni Thompson, Mr. William Barnett, Mr. 




General Washington Addressing the Townspeople 




A Minuet in Honor (jf Washington About to Depart on His Way 




The Colonists Rusisi Txrannx- and the Redcoats 




Discussint: the Xevvs of the Ci\'il War 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 69 

Max Wever, Mr. Otto Wever, Mr. George Hastings, Mr. Francis 
Collins, Mr. Herbert Stiles, Mr. Eddie Koehler, Ruth Sheldon, 
Ruth Lillie, Lu Anna Phelps, Grace Taylor, Doris Nickolson, 
Elberta Lillie, Florence King, Esther Farrell, Miss Jennette 
Martinez, Miss Grace Aiartinez. 

A peddler appears in Suffield with a stock of cheap trinkets. 
When he proclaims his wares as imported English goods, the 
women refuse to buy. Nothing abashed, the peddler confesses 
they are all Connecticut made and that his description had been 
added as a trick of the trade. He likewise offers a patent medi- 
cine, the formula of an old alchemist, and he is more successful 
in selling this. 

Benjamin Franklin, with his surveying party, happens along 
and rebukes the peddler as a mountebank. Franklin informs 
the women that temperate living is the best medicine. They 
offer him refreshments, which he gladly accepts. 

The Stranger enters and falls into conversation with Franklin. 
They discuss the growing difficulties with the mother country, 
and Franklin points out that the oppression of the colonies is 
caused by the political stupidity of the English government and 
not by the English people. He fears, however, that if the poli- 
ticians do not learn common sense that war will come. Both 
agree that hateful as war is, it is sometimes the only way in 
which men can secure justice for themselves. 

The scene closes with Franklin continuing his survey further 
down the road. 

Scene 2. The Lexington Alarm, 1775. 

Characters 
First Townsman Mr. Harold E. Hastings 

His Neighbor Mr. George F. Holloway 

Captain Elihu Kent, of the Minute Men Mr. Frank W. Orr 
Mistress Margery Miss Jennie Raisbeck 

A Tory Mr. Winfield Loomis 

An Elderly Townsman Mr. Albert A. Brown 

Second Townswoman Mrs. William Pomeroy 

A Horseman Mr. Charles R. Brome 

Townsfolk and Minute Men of Sufheld. 

The First Townsman is discussing with his Neighbor the 
closing of the port of Boston. The Neighbor speaks of the 
company of Minute Men, under Captain Kent, that Suffield 



70 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

has secretly raised. It seems that there are but few Tories in 
town, the air of the place not being favorable for their political 
complexions. 

Mistress Margery, a patriotic lady, presents Captain Kent 
with a New England Pine Tree flag. There is, however, one 
Tory present who is a witness of this ceremony. He upbraids 
Captain Kent as a rebel and traitor. Kent replies that "re- 
sistance to tyranny is obedience to God," and, while placing 
the Tory under arrest, protects him from the violence of the 
townsmen who regard a rope as the best answer to the Tory's 
arguments. 

After the Tory has been led away, several townsfolk offer 
Kent their savings as contributions to the cause. At this point 
a horseman rides in upon a spent horse, with the news of 
Lexington. Food and a fresh horse are given him, while Kent 
calls out the minute men. The scene closes with the departure 
of Kent's company for Boston. The Stranger watches them go. 

Scene j. SufReld welcomes the victorious General Washington. 

Characters 
First Selectman Mr. Egerton Hemenway 

Second Selectman Mr. Fred Scott, Jr. 

The Schoolmaster Mr. H. S. Chapman 

The Parson The Rev. Jesse F. Smith 

First Selectman's Wife Mrs. Fred Deno 

General Washington Mr. Charles S. Bissell 

His Staff, Mr. E. M. White, Mr. Harry C. Warner, Mr. John 

Raisbeck, Mr. James H. Prophett, Mr. Charles R. Brome. 

Townsfolk of Suffield. 

Flower Maidens. Gladys Taylor, Hattie Ford, Dorothy 
Kent, Mildred Gregg, Muriel Reed, Dorothy Hauser, Mrs. Van 
Derhule, Isabelle Bawn, Caroline Hauser, Lois Merrill, Beth 
Morris, Bertha Phelps, Nellie Quinn, Ruth Taylor, Catherine 
O'Connor, Anna Cain, Anna Wiedeker, Margie Thompson, 
Lillian Fisher, Marion Fuller, Marion Henshaw, Doris Bridge, 
Grace Morrison, Isabelle Taylor, Emily Whalen, Leslie Holla- 
way, Jennie Pearl, Loranie Taylor, Roslyn Colson, Marjorie 
Beach, Jennie Sheridan, Rhoda Campbell, Lillian Zimmerman, 
Mary Dayton. 

The First Selectman is worried over his address of welcome 
which he must deliver upon the arrival of General Washington. 
The Second Selectman wishes included a reference to the heavy 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 7I 

taxes which the War of Independence has laid upon the people. 
He is told that in a time of victory everyone should rejoice and 
keep the worry over taxes for later consideration. The school- 
master is eager to add some figures of speech to the Selectman's 
address — say a comparison of General Washington to an eagle, 
and the States to Phoenixes new risen from the ashes of war. 
The Selectman suggests that the Schoolmaster make whatever 
additions he considers appropriate, provided he does not use 
words that are too long. The Parson likewise desires to insert 
an appropriate text. The Selectman's wife adds to his troubles 
by a desire to present General Washington with a bouquet of 
flowers. The Schoolmaster agrees that this may be done, since 
the chariots of the Roman emperors were decked with flowers 
on the days of their triumphs. 

The speech is finally settled when General Washington and 
his staff arrive. The young girls throw rose petals in his path, 
and all Suflfteld turns out to welcome him with flags and garlands. 

The Selectman delivers his speech, to which Washington 
makes generous reply, pointing out the noble part the town of 
Suffield has borne in the struggle for independence. 

The scene concludes with the departure of Washington after 
a country dance and general merry-making have been held in 
his honor. 

INTERLUDE III. THE STRUGGLE WITHIN, iS6i 

Characters 

Abraham Lincoln Mr. Allen P. Phillips 

The Stranger Rev. E. Scott Farley 

Group of Slaves. Mr. Oscar Chamberlain, Mrs. Julia Brown, 

Mrs. Susan Wrenn, Miss Virginia Rice, Mr. Jerry Hayes, 

Mrs. Matilda Hayes, Saidee Johnson, Mr. Ephraim Dunston, 

Mae Lockett, Bailey Lockett, Virginia Brewster, Barbara 

Jesse. 

An old plantation melody is heard in the distance. A group 
of slaves from a Southern cotton plantation enter singing. They 
carry with them baskets of cotton. As they pass across the 
stage, the figure of Abraham Lincoln appears. He seems lost 
in thought. The Stranger comes to him and questions him. 
Lincoln muses upon the problem of slavery — the injustice which 
compels a race to live in bondage. The Stranger goes, having 



72 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

planted in Lincoln's mind the feeling that this injustice must 
soon be grappled with. 

EPISODE III. THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865 

Scene i. The news comes to Suffield of the attack on Fort 

Sumter, April, 1861. 

Characters 
First Townsman Mr. F. S. Bidwell, Jr. 

Second Townsman The Rev. Father Hennessey 

Third Townsman Mr. Daniel J. Sweeney 

Fourth Townsman Mr. R. N. Buffen 

Telegraph Boy Normand Thompson 

A Citizen, admirer of Major Anderson Mr. Thomas Couch 

Townsfolk of Suffield. 

Townsfolk of Suffield. Mary Cooper, Mrs. Carrie Sutton, 
Margaret Hatheway, Edna Pomeroy, Frances Seymour, Ruth 
Remington, Mrs. Minnie Thompson, Mrs. Clifford Prior, A-lrs. 
Terry Chapin, Mrs. Thomas Couch, Mrs. Joseph Claudell, Mr. 
Christopher Michels, Mrs. Leroy Creelman, Airs. Charles Kurvin, 
Miss Alice Sheldon, Mrs. Jennie Hazard, Miss Catherine Ken- 
nedy, Miss Mary Kennedy, Miss Celia Kennedy, Mrs. William 
Pinney, Miss Edna Pinney, Mr. Arthur Beach, Mr. Alfred Spen- 
cer, Mrs. Alfred Spencer, Mr. Adolph Koster, Alice Link, Edith 
Whitman, Mr. Frank Kearns, Mrs. Frank Kearns, Mr. Harry 
Kehoe, Mrs. Harry Kehoe, Robert Greer, Thomas Greer, Wal- 
ter Greer, Flora Campbell, Helen Campbell, Mrs. Charles Prout, 
Milton Beach, Harold Beach, Mr. Alfred Sheldon, Mr. and Mrs. 
Morton Merrill, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Austin, Mrs. Thatcher 
Belfit, Miss Lylia Woodruff, Mrs. Clinton Towne, Mrs. Eger- 
ton Hemengway, Calvin Parks, Leroy Parks, Anna Clement 
Mrs. Belden, Miss Elberta Prout, Eunice Greenwood, Mrs. 
Weston Stiles, Mr. G. M. Montgomery. 

The Townsmen are discussing the crisis confronting the coun- 
try. All New England is busy helping runaway slaves to escape 
via what was known as "the underground railway" — a secret 
organization for hiding fugitives. The crisis has become acute 
by the demand of South Carolina that Major Anderson evacuate 
Fort Sumter. One townsman is of the opinion that to surrender 
Fort Sumter is the only way to avoid civil war. According to 
him, the surrender would appease the anger of the South, and 
the whole question at issue could then be settled by compromise. 
The others do not agree with him. The question of secession 
cannot be argued. The Union must be preserved at all costs. 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 73 

A compromise which involves hauling down the flag from Fort 
Sumter is not worth having. 

From the telegraph oflftces comes the news of the attack on 
Sumter and of Major Anderson's heroic resistance. Suffield is 
in an uproar of patriotic fervor. An admiring citizen sings a 
famous song in honor of Major Anderson. Even the townsman 
who advocated surrender is converted. The scene closes to the 
singing of "John Brown's Body." 

Scene 2. President Lincoln issues a call for volunteers, 1861. 

Characters 

First Townsman Mr. F. S. Bidwell, Jr. 

Second Townsman The Rev. Father Hennessey 

Third Townsman Mr. Daniel J. Sweeney 

Reader of the Proclamation Mr. Gilbert W. Phelps 

A Veteran of the Mexican War Mr. Anthony P. Kulas 

A Drummer Boy Mr. Malcolm Pearse 

Two Townswomen Miss Emma Newton, Mrs. Alfred Sheldon. 
Townsfolk of Suffield, and recruits. 

Recruits. Fred Beach, Waldo Ford, Harold Hinckley, 
Charles Graham, Everett King, Henry Seymour, Raymond 
Cannon, Alfred Cannon, Henry Raisbeck, Sidney Patterson, 
Francis Warner, Leslie Martinez, Howard Barnett, Harold 
Brown, Donald Brown, Harold Beach, Frank Creelman, Leland 
King, Elton Halladay, Raymond Fisher, Harold Phelps. 

It is a few weeks after the firing on Fort Sumter. The towns- 
men are rejoicing over the heroic resistance made by Major 
Anderson. There is a discussion over the probable length of 
the war. Some believe it will be soon over; others are not so 
sure, for the South is stubborn and well trained in the use of 
arms. In the midst of their talk, the President's call for volun- 
teers arrives, and is read out to the townsfolk by one of the 
citizens. At its conclusion, the First Townsman opens a re- 
cruiting office, and the young men of Suffield, amid cheers, 
flock to enlist. A Veteran of the Mexican War volunteers as 
drill-master and endeavors to instruct the young men in the 
rudiments of military formations. The townsfolk all join in 
singing "The Star Spangled Banner." 



74 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

Scene j. The news of Gettysburg, July, 1863. 

Characters 
First Old Man Mr. John E. Dunn 

Second Old Man Mr. W. C. O'Neil 

Mrs. Harper Mrs. LeRoy Creelman 

Newsboy Meade Alcorn 

Townsfolk of Suffield and a Recruiting Squad. 

Women in Black. Mrs. Joseph Gregg, Mrs. Victor L. Green- 
wood, Mrs. Benj. Van Wormer. 

Many weary months of war have passed and the first enthu- 
siasm has been somewhat dimmed. The Union losses have been 
heavy and no apparent progress has been made in putting down 
the Confederacy. The First Old Man meets his neighbor, Mrs. 
Harper, and asks if she has any news of her son. She replies 
that all she knows is that the War Department has reported 
him a prisoner at Andersonville — wounded. 

The Second Old Man is war weary and discouraged. After 
Chancellorsville, he believes the North should have made peace. 
What is the use of carrying on the struggle any longer.'' Mrs. 
Harper and the First Old Man sharply rebuke him. He talks, 
they say, like a Copperhead. In spite of the draft, in spite of 
all the losses, the war must go on. There can be no turning 
back now. And then comes a newsboy crying an "extra". 
Eagerly the paper is bought and in it is found the news of Gettys- 
burg. This is almost immediately followed by word of Grant's 
capture of Vicksburg. The tide has turned and the Confederacy 
is doomed. In joy and relief the townsfolk sing "The Battle 
Hymn of the Republic." 

Scetie 4. When Johnny Comes Marching Home, 1865. 

Characters 
First Old Man Mr. John E. Dunn 

Second Old Man Mr. W. C. O'Neil 

Mrs. Harper Mrs. LeRoy Creelman 

Ezra, her wounded son Mr. Frank Creelman 

The Stranger The Rev. E. Scott Farley 

Townsfolk and returning troops 

Returning Troops. Fred Beach, Waldo Ford, Harold 
Hinckley, Charles Graham, Everett King, Henry Seymour, 
Raymond Cannon, Alfred Cannon, Henry Raisbeck, Sidney 
Patterson, Francis Warner, Leslie Martinez, Howard Barnett, 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 75 

Harold Brown, Donald Brown, Harold Beach, Frank Creelman, 
Leland King, Elton Halladay, Raymond Fisher, Harold Phelps. 

The same old men are eagerly discussing the news of Lee's 
surrender at Appomattox. The war is over, for the remaining 
Confederate forces in the field hardly count. Mrs. Harper 
passes, leaning on the arm of her wounded boy, Ezra, now 
returned to her. Ezra tells of his joy at getting home. He is 
going to settle down on a farm and raise some tobacco. 

Their joy is increased by the return of the Suffield men who 
have been fighting four long years in the Army of the Potomac. 
The troops enter singing "When Johnny Comes Marching 
Home." The townsfolk turn out to do them honor and deck 
the boys in blue with flowers. 

As the stage clears. The Stranger comes forward alone, and 
says: "Suffield does not yet know that Abraham Lincoln has 
been called to his Father's bosom." 

FINALE 

Characters 

The Herald The Rev. Victor L. Greenwood 

General Phineas Lyman Mr. D. N. Carrington 

Gideon Granger Mr. Howard F. Pease 

Apollos Phelps Mr. Benjamin Phelps 

Dr. Sylvester Graham Mr. Joseph P. Graham 

Queen Nicotina Mrs. Spencer Montgomery 

Columbia Miss Marjorie Halladay 

World War Soldier Mr. John Kennedy 

World War Sailor Mr. Francis Cavanaugh 

Uncle Sam Mr. John O. Crane 

Polish Interlude 

Train of Nymphs. Dorothy Fuller, Katherine Fuller, Marion 
Greenwood, Helen Truesdell, Dorothy Root, Barbara Kent, 
Marjory Orr, Beatrice Chapman, Marjorie Reed, Marjorie 
Hart, Margaret Raisbeck, Nellie Fuller, Eloise Hauser, Grace 
Bridge, Lois Adams, Eleanor Phelps, Eloise Warner, Muriel 
Whitman, Grace Taylor, Lillian Warner, Helen Sheldon. 

Polish Group. Sophia Organek, Jennie Brackoneski, Victo- 
ria Kulas, Jennie Dambrowski, Stella Bodzian, Walenty Sudol, 
Adolph Nasuta, Tolesfor Sturzinski, Joseph Zukowski, Bruna 
Kulas, John Summers, Stanley Liss, Stella Janik, Stella Ble- 
lawski, Victoria Wolotkiewiz, Felka Maznicki, Chester Mu- 
rawski, Tadensy Walenzak, Francis Ruchinski. 



76 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

In the center of the stage The Stranger stands to watch the 
characters in Suffield's history pass before him. First came the 
Pilgrims with John Robinson and the Dutch peasants. Next, 
the Indians and the Spirits of the Wilderness. Behind them, 
Major Pynchon and the first settlers. The Colonists and Red 
Coats follow, with Benjamin Franklin and General Washington 
at their head. Another division is composed of the slaves and 
the citizens and soldiers of 1861. 

Down the center walk another group of SufBeld's famous 
men, and a Herald proclaims their accomplishments. Among 
these are: General Phineas Lyman of Colonial days; Gideon 
Granger, the Postmaster General of 1801, and Senator; Apollos 
Phelps, a man famous for his physical and moral strength; and 
Doctor Graham, the well-known physician. 

Next, Queen Nicotina and her train appears. She is followed 
by the Interlude of the Polish People who have made their home 
in Suffield. 

Last of all, Columbia and Uncle Sam lead forward the new 
crusaders of freedom, a Soldier and a Sailor of the Great World 
War. 

The Pageant of Suffield ends with actors and audience singing 
together "America." 



THURSDAY, THE THIRD DAY 



The Parade and the Dedication of Memorials 
to Suffield's Soldiers and Sailors 

The third day of Suffield's two hundred and fiftieth anniver- 
sary celebration opened with an hour's concert by the 104th 
Regiment Band in front of the Town Hall. The historic green 
near the Soldier's Monument was filled with people, while 
others parked their automobiles thickly on either side of the 
street and along the Common to view the parade, the line of 
which was formed on Main Street at Bissell's Corner, Starting 
promptly, it was led by the Chief Marshal, James N. Root, 
with Assistant Marshals J. H. Prophet, E. M. White, Harry 
Warner, A. B. Crane, H. B. Chapman, and H. F. Pease, and 
by the Tarifi"ville Boys' Drum Corps, the oldest member of 
which is under fourteen years. In their bright blue uniforms, 
the boys made a fine appearance. Following them in this 
division were the school-children of the town, the younger ones 
in four decorated motor trucks and the older marching in order, 
all waving flags and entering fully into the spirit of the occasion. 
Behind them were the veterans of the Civil and Spanish wars 
in decorated automobiles. The second division was lead by 
the 104th Regiment band which, under an escort of the Suffield 
School Cadets, was followed by soldiers and sailors of the town 
who served in the Great War. Many of these men wore on their 
uniforms overseas chevrons; some wore wound stripes, and a 
number of medals glittered in the sun. By a fortunate cir- 
cumstance, Lieut. A. Waldron Miller had the day before returned 
from service with the American Army of occupation at Coblenz, 
and was placed in command of the service men who received 
many tributes of cheers along the line of their march. After 
them marched one hundred men of the famous Putnam 
Phalanx, of Hartford, in their picturesque uniforms and ac- 
companied by their own fife and drum corps. At the end of 
the division came the Suffield and West Suffield fire com- 



78 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

panics, some of the former appearing in original uniforms with 
red blouses and helmets, and drawing the old original hand 
pump, bought in 1871, and contrasting sharply with the modern 
chemical truck with which the fire department of the village 
is now equipped. 

The third division was headed by the Father Matthew 
T. A. B. Society Drum Corps, an exceedingly well drilled or- 
ganization, followed by the float and marchers of the Polish 
Group, which in three divisions formed one of the colorful 
spectacles of the parade. The first division included 50 men, 
the second 50 women, and the third 50 boys. The men and 
women divisions appeared in the dress of their homeland; 
the boys in Boy Scout uniforms. In the complete cast of 
characters of the pageant of the day before, one of the spec- 
tacular features of a parade was ready at hand. In their 
appropriate costumes were Captain Miles Standish, Major 
Pynchon, General Phineas Lyman, General Washington, and 
other leaders in the pageantry, with the Indians, Hollanders, 
Pilgrims, and the colonial men and dames. Following in line 
were the tastefully decorated floats of the following organiza- 
tions or groups: 

Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapter, Daughters of the American 
Revolution representing a colonial scene. 

Ladies' Wide Awake Club of West Suffield, representing 
William Penn signing a treaty of peace with the Indians. 

The Woman's Reading Club, carrying a streamer, "Knowl- 
edge is Power." 

The Suffield Grange, representing the first Thanksgiving after 
the landing of the Pilgrims. 

The Colored People's Society, representing plantation days. 

The Mapleton Literary Club. 

The Suffield School. 

Another feature adding greatly to the attractiveness of the 
parade was the Horseback Division almost equally made up of 
men and women on well groomed horses, while children rode 
gaily bedecked ponies. Among the horses were three hunters 
owned by Lawrence Haynes of Springfield, and some of the 
best horses in Suffield were in line. 

All these features, constituting a parade over a mile long, 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



79 



rich in color and distinctive costume, proceeding to the music 
of bands and drum corps, made one of the most attractive 
events of the celebration. 

The long column proceeded up Main Street, turning at 
Fuller's Corner at the junction of the Crooked Lane or old 
Springfield road, and countermarched to the Town Hall, where 
the divisions gathered, with many spectators to attend the 
exercises of the dedication of the bronze tablets upon which 
are the names of all the Suffield men serving in all the wars of 
their country and placed in position on the front walls of the 
Town Hall, one at the north corner and the other at the south. 
The inscription above the names reads: 

"Erected by the Town of Suffield in Memory of 
HER Sons who have Served in Wars of their Country." 

TheTabletsareof bronze and record eight hundred and thirty 
eight names, ninety -four in the French and Indian Wars; 
two hundred and sixty in the War of the Revolution; eighteen in 
the War of 1812; two in the Mexican War; two hundred and 
eighty-six in the Civil War and one hundred and seventy in the 
World War. In the list of names of those in service in the World 
War the asterisk designates those who died in service; S.A.T.C., 
Students Army Training Corps; and Y., those in the Y.M.C.A. 
units. 

French and Indian Wars 

Major-Gen. Phinehas 

Lyman 
Adams, Benjamin 
Adams, David 
Adams, Joel 
Adams, John 
Adams, Samuel 
Allin, Caleb 
Allin, Jonathan 
Allin, Samuel 
Austin, Daniel 
Austin, Elias 
Austin, Thomas 



Bancroft, Benjamin 
Bement, David 
Bement, Edmund 
Bliss, Peletiah 
Bronson, Joseph 
Burbank, Ebenezer 



Foster, Edward 
Fowler, Job 

Graham, Rev. John 
Granger, Abner 
Granger, Asher 
Granger, Bildad 
Granger, Enoch 
Granger, Joel 
Granger, Josiah 
Granger, Samuel 
Granger, Zadock 

Hall, Isaac 
Halladay, James 
Halladay, Moses 
Hanchitt, Oliver 
Hanchitt, Zacheas, Jr. 
Harmon, Benjamin 
Harmon, John 
Harmon, Nehemiah 
Harmon, Samuel 



Hathaway, John 
Hitchcock, Aaron 

Kent, Asel 
Kent, Elihu 
Kent, Joel 
Kent, Noah 
Kent, Oliver 
Kent, Paul 
King, Dan 
King, Ebenezer 
King, Eliphalet 
King, Joseph 
King, Seth 

Leavitt, John 
Lyman Gamaliel Dwight 
Lyman, Phinehas, Jr. 
Lyman, Thaddeus 

Mather, Eusebeas 
Mather, Increase 



8o 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



Nelson, Isaac 
Nelson, James 
Nelson, Jeremiah 
Norton, Jonathan 
Norton, Shadrach 
Norton, Zebulon 

Old, Joseph 
Old, Stephen 

Phelps, Aaron 
Phelps, Timothy 
Pomroy, Dan 
Pomroy, Noah 



Adams, David 
Adams, Joel 
Adams, John, Jr. 
Allen, Caleb 
Allen, Chester 
Allen, Gershom 
Allen, Samuel 
Answitz, ApoUus 
Archer, Thomas 
Austin, Joseph 
Austin, Nathaniel 
Austin, Phinehas 
Austin, Ralph 
Austin, Richard 
Austin, Thomas 

Ball, Moses 
Bancroft, John 
Barker, Ethen 
Barnes, William 
Bissell, Isaac 
Bissell, Samuel 
Bliss, Eli 
Briggs, Joseph 
Burbank, Ebenezer 
Burbank, Joel 
Burbank, Seth 

Campbill, William 
Chamberlain, Jeremiah 
Chaplin, Ebenezer 
Cooper, Jacob 
Coy, Edy 
Crane, Simeon 
Curtiss, Frederick 

Dady, James 
Daniels, Benjamin 
Denslow, Benjamin 
Denslow, Philander 



Pomroy, Phineas 
Remington, Elijah 
Remington, Simeon 
Rising, Abel 
Rising, James 
Rising, Paul 
Roe, Abel 
Roe, Joseph 
Roe, Thomas 

Sheldon, Caleb 
Sheldon, Elijah 
Sheldon, Jonathan 



War of the Revolution 



Dewey, Jedediah 
Dewey, Oliver 
Dewey, Peletiah 
Dewey, Silas 
Dunlay, Darius 

Easton, Elijah 
Evans, John 

Fervin, Zebulon 
French, Amaziah 
French, Calvin 
Fuller, James 

Gains, Samuel 
Gilbert, Isaac 
Gillet, Asael 
Gillet, Benjamin 
Gillet, Elihu 
Gillet, Isaac 
Gillet, Rufus 
Goldwin, Matthew 
Goodkins, Samuel 
Graham, John 
Graham, Narcissus 
Graham, Sheldon 
Granger, Abraham 
Granger, Asher 
Granger, Bildad 
Granger, Daniel 
Granger, Jacob 
Granger, Oliver 
Granger, Phinehas 
Granger, Robert 
Granger, Samuel 
Granger, Samuel 4th 
Granger, Zadock 

Hale, Samuel 
Hall, John 
Hanchet, David 



Sikes, Lot 
Spencer, Daniel, Jr. 
Spencer, Elisha 
Spencer, Hezekiah 
Spencer, John 
Spencer, Reuben 

Warner, Ely 
Warner, Moses 
Warner, Nathaniel 
Warner, Samuel 
White, John 
Winchell. John 
Winchell, Joseph 



Hanchet, Ezra 
Hanchet, Luke 
Hanchet, Oliver 
Harmon, Benjamin 
Harmon, Elias 
Harmon, Eus 
Harmon, Gad 
Harmon, Israel 
Harmon, Jaques 
Harmon, John 
Harmon, John, Jr. 
Harmon, Samuel 
Hathaway A. Thrall 
Hathaway, Guilford 
Hathaway, John 
Hathaway, Seth 
Hathaway, Wilber 
Hiir, John 
Hucksley, Moses 
Hulbert, Alvin 
Hulbert, Lucius 

Ingraham, Jeremiah 

Jones, John 
Joslin, Reuben 

Kellogg, Martin, Jr. 
Kent, Augustin 
Kent, Benjamin 
Kent, Elihu 
Kent, Elihu, Jr. 
Kent, Joel 
Kent, Jonathan K. 
Kent, Oliver 
Kent, Samuel 
Kent, Seth 
Kent, Titus 
King, Dan 
King, Eli 
King, Eliphalet 




Suffield Ser\'ice Men in the World War 




Pageant Characters in the Parade 




TABLET at North Corner of Town Hall 




TABLET at South Corner of Town Hal 




Float of the Daughters of the American Revolution 




Pageant Characters of Civil War Times 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



King, Gideon 
King, Joseph 
King, Joseph, 3d 
King, Josiah 
King, Nathaniel 
King, Pelatiah 
King, Thaddeus 
King, Theodore 
King, William 
Kirtland, John 

Lacy, Isaac 
Lane, Dan 
Lane, William 
Laphland, John 
Larry, Kada 
Larry, Ready 
Leach, Lewis 
Leavitt, John 
Leavitt, Samuel 
Lord, John 
Loveland, Joel 
Lumbard, Justin 

Mather, Increase 
McMorran, John 
Meachum, Philip 
Moor, Arunah 
Moor, Hiram 
Morris, James 
Morris, John 
Moss, Noah 

Negro, Cesar 
Nelson, Daniel 
Nelson, Jeremiah 
Nelson, Moses 
Nelson, Philip, Jr. 
Newbury, Jeremiah 
Newton, Zechariah 
Noble, Ebenezer 
Noble, Nathan 
Norton, Daniel 
Norton, Shadrach 
Norton, Thomas 

Old, Josiah 
Owen, Isaac 

Palmer, Ozias 
Parsons, Ebenezer 
Parsons, Reuben 



Pearman, Joseph 
Pease, Augustin 
Pease, Joseph 
Pease, Silas 
Pease, Warham 
Pease, Zeno 
Pheland, Thomas 
Phelps, Dan 
Phelps, Timothy 
PhiUips, Eliphalet 
Pierce, Francis 
PoUey, Amasa 
Pomeroy, Asa 
Pomeroy, Isaac 
Pomeroy, John 
Pomeroy, Jonathan 
Pomeroy, Joseph 
Pomeroy, Nathaniel 
Pomeroy, Peletiah 
Pomeroy, Phebus 
Preston, Jonathan 

Remington, Abijah 
Remington, Hosea 
Remington, Josiah 
Remington, Nathaniel 
Remington, Rufus 
Rising, Eli 
Rising, James 
Rising, John 
Rising, Jonah 
Rising, Josiah 
Rising, Nathaniel 
Robbins, Elijah 
Rockwood, Josiah 
Rowe, Abner 
Russell, John 

Sanderson, Elnathan 
Sanderson, Silvanus 
Screen, James 
Sheldon, Asaph 
Sheldon, David 
Sheldon, Ebenezer 
Sheldon, Elijah 
Sheldon, Jacob 
Sheldon, John, Jr. 
Sheldon, Josiah 
Sheldon, Martin 
Sheldon, Seth 
Sheldon, Simeon 
Sikes, Amos 



Sikes, Ashbel 
Sikes, David 
Sikes, Gideon 
Sikes, Jacob 
Sikes, John 
Sikes, Titus 
Sikes, Victory 
Skinner, Timothy 
Smith, Comfort 
Smith, Elisha 
Smith, John 
Smith, Seth 
Spear, Elihu 
Spear, Elijah 
Spear, Joshua 
Spear, Moses 
Spencer, Daniel 
Spencer, Eliphalet 
Spencer, Hezekiah 
Spencer, Jehiel 
Spencer, John 
Spencer, Jonathan 
Spencer, Reuben 
Spencer, Simeon 
Stephenson, Abner 
Stoddard, Filo 
Strong, Return 

Thistle, Samuel 
Thwing, Ebenezer 
Tobin, James 
Towsley, Amoriah 
Towsley, Lot 
Towsley, Micah 
Towsley, Michael 
Trumbull, Oliver 

Underwood, Jonathan 

Warner, Daniel 
Warner, John 
Warner, "Nathaniel 
Warner, Richard 
Warner, Samuel 
Watson, Thomas 
Wheeler, Daniel 
Williston, Consider 
Winchel, Dan 
Winchel, Oliver 
Woolworth, Justus 
Woolworth, iPhineas 
Woolworth, Reuben 



Bissell, Elijah 
Brooks, Jacob 
Charles, James 



War of 18 12 

Dunham, Jabez 
Dunham, Moses 
Gaylord, Roswell 



Marshall, Abraham 
Moulton, Rufus 
Olds, Obadiah 



82 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



Page, Samuel S. 
Rising, Allen 
Sikes, Zenas 



Hathaway, John M. 



Abel, Lester A. 
Alcorn, Hugh G. 
Alderman, John 
Allen, Franklin H. 
Allen, George W. 
Allen, William A. 
Andrews, Benjamin 
Anthony, Henry 
Archer, Luther L. 
Austin, Albert R. 

Baer, Alfred D. 
Baker, Francis 
Baker, James 
Baker, Jordan 
Baker, Samuel 
Ball, Charles G. 
Barnes, Heman H. 
Barnett, Henry 
Barnum, Ezra VV. 
Bates, Jerome P. 
Baxter, Henry 
Beach, Edward 
Beebe, Edwin C. 
Bell, William E. 
Beman, George T. 
Bement, Edwin C. 
Bennett, George 
Birney, William H. 
Blake, George H. 
Bliss, James M. 
Bont, Daniel 
Borcherding, Herman 
Bowers, Joseph H. 
Boye, John W. 
Brady, Patrick 
Brown, Empson 
Brown, Thomas A. 
Burbank, Leverett L. 
Burke, Michael 
Bush, Andrew S. 

Carl, George 
Carrier, David B. 
Carter, George W. 
Castin, Chauncey C. 
Caesar, George H. H. 



Smith, Warren 
Stafford, Arnold 
Truesdale, Darius 

Mexican War 
Lewis, James 

The Civil War 

Cayton, John W. 
Chapman, John 
Cherdin, Charles 
Cherry, William R. 
Chester, Michael 
Clark, Henry 
Clark, John 
Clark, Martin 
Clarkson, Robert J. 
Cline, David 
Cline, John H. 
Coats, John 
Coffey, John 
Collins, Francis 
Collins, Leonard 
Collins, Philip 
Collins, Samuel 
Cone, Heman A. 
Connor, John 
Cook, Abraham 
Cooper, Charles H. 
Cooper, James 
Corbin, David P. 
Corser, Proctor 
Crane, James P. 
Crocker, George W. 
Curtis, Luther N. 

Dalton, John 
Davis, Charles A. 
Day, John W. 
DeGraff, Elias 
Demmary, Joseph 
Dennison, Charles 
Dewey, Amos 
Dixon, William 
Dolan, Peter 

Eastman, Oscar D. 
Easton, ApoUos 

Fieneman, Gottfried 
Flynn, Patrick 
Foale, William R. P. 
Foley, William W. 
Fowler, Frederick 
Francher, Albert L. 



Ward, Simeon 
Weaver, George 
Wilkinson, Thomas 



Freeman, William 
Fuller, Edward A. 

Galvin, John 
Garrett, James D. 
Gerschwend, Joseph A. 
Gettier, William AL 
Gillett, Egbert C. 
Gillette, James M. 
Goodrich, Frank W. 
Gouthier, Joseph 
Graham, Arthur H. 
Graham, Oscar H. 
Granger, John W. 
Green, Richard 
Grimm, Elijah 
Griswold, Ellis A. 
Grohman, Peter 

Hall, Eben P. 
Hall, Peter M. 
Hancock, William H. 
Hanlon, John 
Harmon, Ashbel C. 
Hastings, Francis E. 
Hawkins, William H. 
Hayes, Elias W. 
Healey, Patrick 
Hemingway, Daniel E. 
Hicks, George 
Hide, John 
Hintz, Henry 
Hoskins, Joseph 

Ives, David 
Ives, William C. 

Jackson, John L. 
Jacoby, James 
James, John F. 
Jinman, George 
Jobes, Asbury 
Jobes, Richard 
Johnson, George W. 
Jones, Samuel 
Josephs, John 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



83 



Kasche, William 
Keegan, Michael 
Keeshand, John 
Kellogg, Emerson 
Kellogg, Henry N. 
Kelter, Thomas 
Kiefer, John Z. 
King, Gilbert F. 
King, Roderick G. 
Knight, Ivory P. 
Kurvin, James 

Lacey, Henry 
Lacey, Michael 
Lamberton, Sullivan P. 
Lathrop Benjamin F. 
Leavitt, David F. 
Lee, Homer 
Leffler, Henry 
Lester, Milton, Jr. 
Lester, Silas 
Letcher, Francis D. 
Letcher, John B. 
Lewis, George C. 
Lewis, George ]\L 
Lewis, John 
Lipps, George F. 
Little, Charles L. 
Long, George 
Lord, Roswell C. 
Ludington, Augustine 

Mackin, Patrick 
Margerum, Claudius C. 
Marritt, Jerome 
Marshall, George 
Martinez, Andrew B. 
Mather, William H. 
McCann, Norton O. 
Mcintosh, Alfred 
McKenzie, Thomas B. 
McLaughlin, Pat. C. 
McMain, Thomas F. 
McVey, Charles 
McVey, Gardner 
Miller, Frank 
Miller, Herman 
Mooney, James 
Moore, Henry 
Mosher, Israel P. 
Mullen, James 
Mulligan, William 
Myers, Henry 

Nehin, Daniel 



Newhart, Henry T. 
Newton, Israel 
Newton, Matthew T. 
Noll, Henry W. 

Olds, Henry 

Pease, Wilbur F. 
Pendlebury, Thomas H. 
Percy, Earl D. 
Perkins, George M. 
Pettis, Charles C. 
Phelan, John N. 
Phelon, Charles S. 
Pierce, Dwight 
Pierce, George J. 
Pock, James 
Pockett, Joseph 
Polk, James 
Pomeroy, Melvin L. 
Pomeroy, William C. 
Pomeroy, Willis A. 
Powers, John 
Proctor, William H. 

Rattray, James P. 
Reeves, William M. 
Reihm, John P. 
Relyea, William H. 
Remington, Albert M. 
Rhaum, Norman S. 
Riley, Thomas 
Rising, Charles G. 
Rising, Roland 
Roberson, Robert 
Rogers, John 
Rose, Hubert G. 
Russell, Emerson E. 
Russell, James 
Russell, James B. 

Sanford, Thomas 
Scofield, Russell H. 
Scollon, Andrew 
Schwind, Nicholas 
Sherman, Conrad W. 
Sherren, James 
Sherwood, Charles 
Sherwood, John, Jr. 
Siggins, Williams 
Simmons, Francis 
Smalley, James 
Smith, Charles A. 
Smith, Charles F. 
Smith, George B. 



Smith, Oscar L. 
Smith, Patrick 
Smith, William H. 
Snow, Henry R. 
Snow, Nelson E.- 
Snow, Orlando E. 
Soby, William 
Sparks, Richard W. 
Spengler, George 
Spiars, Ira B. 
Stepney, Richard 
Sykes, L. Fayette 
Symington, James 

Taylor, Albert 
Taylor, William J. 
Thompson, Alex. H. 
Thompson, Isaac 
Thorogood, Charles 
Todd, Samuel D. 
Tootill, Levi 
Towne, Clinton D. 
Tracy, John 
Trowbridge, George N. 
Turner, George L. 

Van Buren, Franklin 
Vancott, William H. 
Vandenburgh, Stephen 
Van Heusen, Martin 
Vanderpool, Jacob G. 

Walker, Joseph 
Walter, Ira 
Wansor, George A. 
Ward, James D. 
Ward, John D. 
Warner, Horace 
Watkins, George W. 
Watson, Henry 
Webster, Daniel 
Wedemier, Christian 
Wessels, Helmuth 
Wessels, Louis 
Wessels, Peter 
West, Delmer 
Whipple, Henry 
Whittle, William R. 
Williams, Charles 
Williams, James 
Wincholl, John L. 
Woodworth, Chester 
Woodworth. Chester W. 
Woodworth, James H. 
Woodworth, John 
Woodworth, William H- 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



Corrigan, Thomas 
Evans, Fred 
Leahey, John 



Adams, Edward 
Apraham, Paul 
Austin, William J. 

Baranowski, Joseph 
Bardoni, Ettore A. 
Beach, Milton A. — 

S.A.T.C. 
Belfit, Thatcher G. 
Beloski, Wladlslaf 
Bernard, Edward 
Binns, Douglass 
Blackburn, Raymond E. 
Blonberg, LeRoy C. 
Brackoneski, Joseph F. 
Briggs, Leroy 
Brown, Marshall 

Cain, William 
Caldwell, Howard E. 
Cannon, Merrill L. 
Canty, Martin J. 
Cavanaugh, Francis W. 
Cemoch, John 
Chekanvos, Anthony 
Conley, John J. 
Convery, Harry 
Corrigan, Edward J. 
Coulson, John H. 
Coulson, Robert, Jr. 
Coulson, William A. 
Coulter, Joseph — Y. 
Creelman, Clifford C. 
Creelman, Frank E. 
Creelman, Fred N. 
Creelman, Allan D. — Y. 
Cronon, Eugene J. 
Crowley, James J. 
Culver, William B. 
Cunningham, George 

Dambrowski, Julian 
Decelles, Raymond A. 
Deutsch, \\ illlam 
DeZolt, Lewis 
*DeZolt, Joseph E., Jr. 
Dineen, Michael 
Dunn, John E. 
Dupont, William T. 
Durgin, Edwin 



The War with Spain 

Leahey, Michael 
Parks, William 



The World War 

Dziengewski, 
Stanislaw F. 

Eagleson, John A. 
Edmonds, Charles A. 
Evans, Jesse B. 
Evans, Nathan 
Farquhar, E. Stuart 
Farrell, William P. 
Filipcank, Andro 
Fitch, Lester H. 
Fitch, Nelson A. 
Fitzgerald, William W. 
Flaherty, Edward J. 
Fleming, John F. 
Fuller, Sumner F. 

Gallagher, John J. 
Gardner, Conrad 
Goodrich, Albert B. 
Goodrich, Alec 
Goodrich, Francis 
*Graham, Lewis S. 
Griffin, William 
Guindon, William 

Halak, Walter W. 
Hamilton, Clarence E. 
Hastings, Elliott S. 
Hastings, Wallace G. 
Heckland, Harold 
Hendee, George M. — Y 
Henshaw, Walter R. — 

S.A.T.C. 
Heyburn, Robert E. 
Holcomb, Roy H. 
Holdridge, Merton L. 

Janlowitz, Jurges 
Jones, Howard P. 
Jones, Robert S. 
Jones, Russell M. 
Jones, William P. 
Jonkowski, John J. 

Kearns, Harry 
Kearns, Wallace G. 
Kennedy. 

Daniel R., Jr.— Y 
Kennedy, John J., Jr. 



Raisbeck, Bertie J. 
Raisbeck, Ralph 
Root, Herbert 



Kulas, Anthony P. 
Kulas, Frank S. 
Kulle, Jack C. 
Kzizanowski, Jan. S. 

LaFountain, Henry 
*Lally, William T. 
Lees, Carlton B. 
Loomis, Herman H. 
Loomis, Winfield H. 
Lyman, Emmett J. 

MacArthur, 

Gertrude E. — Y 
MacArthur, Kenneth C. 
Magee, Fred J. 
Malloy, Charles 
Mansfield, William 
Martinez, George A. 
Matka, John 
McCann, Frank H. 
McCann, Warren 
McCarthy, Leslie J. 
McNach, William 
Medwood, William R. 
iMerrill, Ralph 
Miller, A. Waldron 
Mitchell, James, Jr. 
Murphy, John A. 
Muzzie, Earl 

Nelinuck, Wasil 

O'Brien, John 
O'Malley, Thomas F. 

—S.A.T.C. 
Orr, Robert 

Papafil, Theodore 
Parcelles, William 
Parks, Calvin G. 

—S.A.T.C. 
Parks, George V. 
Parks, Lerov B. 

—S.A.T.C. 
Parks, Murray B. 
Patterson, James T. 
Phelon, Newton T. 
Pobalak, Frank 
Pomroy, Ralph H. 



^^I^>i«>*- 




Float of the Suffield Grange 




Mapleton Literary Club 



mmkti^i IS POWER 




I 



WOMAN'S REAOfiMG CLUB 




■"luat of the Wdiiian's Reading' Club 




Float of the Ladies' Wide Awake Club 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



85 



Powers, Henry 
Psaras, Savas 

*Quinn, Thomas 

Reynolds, Hugh W. 
Rhaum, Wallace H. 
Robertson, Harold 
Russell, Fordham C. 

Saltus, Charles 
Saunders, Bertram 
Schmautz, William J. 
Scott, Fred J. 
Searles, Alfred 
Seymour, Henry W. 
— S.A.T.C. 

* Died in service. 



Sheldon, Walter A. 
Sherman, Roger 
Sholtz, John 
Sikes, Allen B. 
—S.A.T.C. 
Smith, William L. 
Stockwell, William M. 
Stratton, Morgan C. 
Street, Russell B. 
Svacicki, Maxmilian 
Szredzinsky, Telesfor 
Szvmauski, Clifford 

Talmadge,NelsonAlcorn 
Thompson, Clive I. 
Thompson, Frank 



Thorkey, Fred J. 
Tomkelley, Stanley 
Toothill, William H. 
Trasencznia, Alexander 
Turner, Olin 
Turner, William H. 

Viets, H. Leon, Jr. 
Vietts, Seeley H. 

White, Timothy H. 
Winiarski, John 
Wlazlo, Michael A. 
Woodford, Clarence F. 

Zera, Felix J. 
Zoronski, John 



In front of the Speakers' platform, erected at the entrance 
of the Town Clerk's office, the members of the Grand Army 
were given seats, and drawn up in line facing the platform were 
the service men of the Great War, while the people gathered in 
a large circle behind and on either side. The 104th Regiment 
Band stationed across the street near the Soldiers' Monument 
furnished music for a bright and patriotic occasion. 

Mr. Edward A. Fuller, a veteran of the Civil War and 
president of the General Committee of the celebration, presided 
and spoke impressively of the patriotic service of Suffield men 
in the long history of the town. Rev. Victor L. Greenwood 
of the First Congregational Church offered prayer, and Mr. 
Fuller then introduced Mr. Henry B. Russell, of the Springfield 
Union, and a former Suffield resident. Mr. Russell's address 
follows : 

We have been looking backward through the mists of the 
years to the far-off beginnings of an old New England town — to 
our own unit in that ever-broadening national life which, from 
such beginnings, has become the greatest material and moral 
force that civilization, struggling through all the centuries, has 
produced. 

As the Puritan purpose spread outward, up and down the 
wooded valleys, along the hilltops and rugged coasts, within 
these old towns fell the seed from which our American democ- 
racy and freedom sprung; in them was the plant watered; in 



86 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



them it grew and flowered, and from them, as the pregnant 
years passed, was the seed carried over the hills, the great rivers, 
the long western trails. Thus were these old towns the leaven 
of a nation. 

That which is their story and glory is the story and glory of 
Suffield. Our historical pageantry is the pageantry of them all. 
The purchases from the Indians, the home lots, the commons, 
the churches, the schools, the town-meetings — all the funda- 
mentals of our American institutions, in their origin and de- 
velopment, were here in old Suffield, as in them all. 

Here in old Suffield, also, ever beat the pulse of a national 
life, striving for a fuller expression, a firmer federation, a higher 
destiny. Not alone in commerce and trade, not alone in religious 
and political intercourse did colonial interests mingle in a com- 
mon cause, that may have been impressed with peculiar force 
upon Suffield, because so long uncertain whether she belonged 
to Massachusetts or to Connecticut. Jealous as the colonies 
were of their independence and rights, when danger threatened, 
when the general alarm was sounded by fleet messengers, spur- 
ring their steeds over the turnpikes and through the settlements, 
from them all — 

"Then marched the brave from rocky steep. 
From mountain river, swift and cold; 

The borders of the stormy deep, 

The vales where scattered waters sleep. 

Sent up the strong and bold." 

They have their rolls of honor^all these old towns in all the 
wars — and no town has greater cause for pride in her soldiers 
than Sufiield. Their spirit and patriotism are read into the 
glowing pages of American triumphs on land and sea; and now 
would we cast their names in enduring bronze, all their names 
in the equality of their service to their country, all their names 
henceforth under the eyes of those who enjoy and are to enjoy 
the blessings of their deeds and sacrifices — ourselves and those 
to come after us. 

Do not suppose it was to them as it is to us. They were think- 
ing of their duty; we are thinking of their deeds. They saw 
their hard tasks ahead of them; we look back upon their tasks 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 87 

performed. We walk in peace where they fought, where many 
fell. We reap where they sowed. 

"The heroes of those old days are dead; 
But their spirit lives in today's young men; 
And never in vain would our country plead 
For sons that were ready to die in her need." 

Did the treacherous Indian tribes to the north, often under 
foreign intrigue and leaders, raid the border towns, or did the 
commonwealths call for help to fight out on this continent that 
long conflict in which both the fate of Europe and the destiny 
of America were involved, then out marched the boys of Suffield. 
They had a great leader, Captain, afterwards Maj.-Gen. Phineas 
Lyman, the real hero of the battle of Lake George, the first 
Suffield citizen to rise to national eminence. Suffield was but a 
little settlement then, yet ninety-four of her sons answered the 
calls of that intermittent warfare, the burden of which largely 
fell on these northern colonies and towns. Of these ninety- 
four, as you will see, more than one-half bore the family names 
of Suffield's early settlers. 

Soon after these wars were ended, and the question whether 
the king of England or the king of France should dominate in 
this part of the continent was settled, began to arise the greater 
question whether the king of England or the American people 
themselves should dominate here, and establish for themselves 
and preserve for their children those principles of political 
liberty they had brought here and nourished in a hard climate, 
on a stubborn soil, in the midst of alarms. Then one day in the 
spring of 1775, clattering over the stony turnpikes, came mes- 
sengers telling of that shot heard round the world, the shot of 
the embattled farmers. 

"As if the very earth again 

Grew quick with God's creating breath; 
And from the sods of grove and glen 
Rose ranks of lion hearted men, 
To battle to the death." 

On a faded pay roll preserved at Hartford is recorded this: 
"Marched from Suffield for relief of Boston in the Lexington 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



alarm, April, 1775, Capt. Elihu Kent and one hundred and 
fourteen men. 

Preparedness? Yes; that preparedness for which America 
has become most famous- — preparedness to shoulder a gun, to 
fall in, march forth, at once, anywhere, when American honor, 
or rights, or liberties or firesides are at stake. In that revolu- 
tionary conflict other Suffield companies were recruited by 
Captains Oliver Hanchett, John Harmon, Nathaniel Pomeroy 
and Samuel Granger. Some of them had fought in the French 
and Indian wars, and, as before, more than one-half of them were 
the sons of the first and early settlers of Sufiield. The Kings 
sent twelve. Grangers eleven, Kents and Sheldons ten each, 
Harmons nine, Spencers, Sikeses and Pomeroys eight each, 
Risings and Austins six each, Gillettes, Hatheways, Remingtons 
and Warners five each, and so on. 

By the time of the war of 18 12 the political relations of New 
England to the states under Virginia leadership had undergone 
a change. In the tempest of events the conflicting views of 
Hamilton and Jeiferson had developed an acute partisanship. 
Embargoes and non-intercourse acts had sorely tried commercial 
New England. It was hard work to recruit armies where the 
war was unpopular. But there was the flag; it was the govern- 
ment, struggling under its new constitution, that called, and 
Suffield did not fail to respond. Whatever may be said of the 
war, it had its part in shaping the national destiny. There were 
brave deeds by land and braver by sea, and Sufiield has her 
honor roll. If their names are fewer, the greater is their share 
in the triumph of that period. 

The short Mexican war was even more unpopular in the North, 
unfavorably shaping, as it seemed then, the conditions of that 
inevitable conflict yet to be fought. It was largely the regular 
armies that marched and fought with Taylor and Scott, but 
Suffield has her honor roll in a war, that, despite its failure to 
appeal to the patriotism of the whole nation, nevertheless un- 
locked the gates to the manifest destiny of a great republic, to 
march on to the Rio Grande and the Pacific. 

Then, speedily as the troubled years passed, the nation drifted 
to that great civil conflict. Not under any new or strange banner 
of secession, but under the same old flag that was born in the 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



Struggle for independence, that waved over the victorious armies 
of Washington at Yorktown, that fluttered from the topmasts 
of the fighting frigates of 1812, that was borne aloft at Buena 
Vista and Palo Alto, went forth two hundred and eighty-six 
Suffield boys to the hard battles of that struggle that fired the 
national heart and fixed the indivisibility of the Union. It 
purged the soil of slavery and determined a larger destiny in 
the centuries to unfold. 

A few — a very few — of that Grand Army of the Republic are 
still with us, the story of that great passion of liberty and union 
burned into their souls. To most of us it is history; to all of us 
a glorious history wherein the wounds are healed and the scars 
have faded into the cherished tokens of a united people. These 
names in bronze shall ever tell the story of Suffield's devotion 
to a land "where live the free, where sleep the brave." 

Our war with Spain was brief, as it was victorious, fought 
largely by regulars and militia, but Suffield was not missing. 
She had her volunteers, she has her honor roll in that cause of 
freedom's further development on this hemisphere. 

Then, last and nearest to the thoughts and emotions of this 
generation, is the long roll of Suffield boys of the great war, in 
which not only the honor, the safety and liberties of America, 
but the world's civilization and peace, were at stake. The boys 
who have come back to us from service in France, on the seas 
and in the far camps need not be told what it meant. Fathers 
and mothers, wives and sweethearts need not be told what it 
meant to them. It is enough for the present to know that it 
was a great cause and a great victory, greater than the world 
can yet know. 

The question of what it meant is passing into the question of 
what it can be made to mean. History has been made, but is 
still in the making. We are still beset with problems it has left. 
Terrible wounds have yet to be healed; scars there are that can 
disappear only with the years. American destiny, the American 
relation to the cause of political liberty and human progress 
elsewhere, civilization the world over, have yet to clear a path 
into the future. 

But it will be cleared. The boys on that long honor roll did 
not go forth in vain. In any event, their deeds are secure. It 



90 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

was the American flag, waving over them in Flanders, in Picardy, 
in the Argonne and on the Marne that ralHed the fainting 
hearts of the exhausted defenders of their homes and their 
freedom, that was the symbol of hope for millions of war-worn 
and war-torn people— the flag that was carried over those hard 
final battles to victory. 

So here, in the civic center of this fairest of old New England 
towns, near the close of our celebration of two and one-half 
centuries of its history, we take this occasion to cast in letters 
time shall neither diminish nor destroy, the names of all these 
Suffield men of all these years in all these American struggles 
for a great nation, a free people and a better world. We honor 
the living and the dead alike, in every service on land and sea. 
Here do we dedicate an unfading tribute to the soldiers and 
sailors of Suffield; to their sacrifice for 

"That Flag that never stooped from victory's pride; 
Those stars that softly gleam. 
Those stripes that o'er us stream, 
In war's grand agony were sanctified. 

At noon the officers and selectmen of the town gave a dinner 
to all the war veterans of Suffield in the gymnasium of the 
Suflfield school. Other visitors, as on the two days previous, 
gathered on the green with their box lunches, or enjoyed the 
hospitality of the homes of Suffield. 

The program of the third day was closed in the afternoon with 
a football game on the Suffield School athletic field, attended 
by about a thousand people. The 104th Regiment band gave a 
concert on the field before the game, which was between the 
Suffield School team, and one from the Springfield College. 
The local team, which played no losing game during the whole 
season, won by a score of 28 to o. 

The celebration of the 250th anniversary of the settlement of 
Suffield was one leaving only pleasant memories for its people 
and their guests. It enlisted the co-operation of the townspeople 
generally and to this co-operation and the faithful work of the 
various committees its success was due. 

Suffield now passes on toward another half-century milestone 
in its history, to be reached only in the life of another generation. 



THE HOSTESS HOUSE 



An Old Fashion Home on an Old Fashion Street 
with Old Fashion Ladies as Hostesses 

One of the most interesting and popular features of the cele- 
bration was the Hostess House, its quaint rooms furnished with 
rare and beautiful old furniture, containing many specimens of 
the handiwork of departed generations, and presided over as 
hostesses during the three days of the anniversary by Sufheld 
ladies in gowns of the olden days. 

Through the courtesy of the Masonic Club, the lower floor 
of the Masonic House was turned over to a committee of ladies, 
under the chairmanship of Mrs. Edward A. Fuller, to be fur- 
nished like a home of long ago. "Raised" by Luther Loomis 
in 1790, and to the older residents of the town long known as 
the home of the late William L. Loomis, the old mansion has 
been kept in good condition as a fine example of the archi- 
tecture of its period. The hand-wrought paneling and other 
distinctive features were retained when recently the house was 
refitted for the Masonic Club, and one of these much admired 
features is the oriel window on the south side. Altogether it 
made an ideal setting for the hostesses and their loaned heir- 
looms. Open from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. on the three days, and 
easily accessible, it was much visited by SufReld people and 
their many guests. 

The spacious lower hall and four large rooms were given over 
to the hostesses, and the work of furnishing these rooms with 
the best examples of fine homes of a century or more ago was 
placed under the supervision of Mr. and Mrs. Karl C. Kulle, 
of Suflfteld, peculiarly qualified by their knowledge of values in 
antiques, and, with their committee, they made careful exami- 
nation and selection of the types and specimens suited to the 
consistent furnishing of the various rooms and with highly suc- 
cessful results. 

The quaint and pleasing atmosphere that was thus imparted 



92 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

to the rooms was thoroughly enjoyed by all visitors and, if it 
cannot be adequately described, it can be imagined from the 
list of the furnishings here given, with the names of those to 
whom they originally belonged in most cases, and the names 
of those loaning them for the exhibition. 

THE HALL 

Highboy. High chest of drawers, Spanish feet, 1710-20. 
Belonged to the Hezekiah Spencer family of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. L. Spencer. 

Tall Clock. Made in Suffield in 1794 by Simeon Smith of 
Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Edwin A. Pomeroy 

Pine Settle. First half of the i8th century. Belonged to 
Daniel Norton, of Suffield, who fought in the Revolutionary 
War. 

Loaned by Mr. Seymour Loomis and Mr. John Norton. 

Table. Drop leaves, turned frame, last quarter of the 17th 
century. Belonged probably to Asahel Hatheway of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. D. N. Carrington. 

Chair. Cane chair, Spanish feet, 1700-10. Belonged to the 
Halladay family of Suffield. 

Loaned by Miss Marjorie Halladay. 

Candlesticks. With grease dish. Belonged to Oliver 
Granger of West Suffield, Taintor Hill, 

Loaned by Mr. Samuel R. Spencer. 

Heraldic Blazons. Printed fabric, 1768. Came from the 
Blackbourne collection (mostly laces), part of which is now in 
the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. 

Loaned by Karl C. Kulle. 

Portrait. Don Pease (1795-1868), painted at the age of 
thirty years. 

Loaned by Mrs. E. A. Fuller. 

Chairs. Two chairs showing Dutch influence, 1710-20. 
Belonged to Joseph Pease of Suffield. 

Loaned by Dr. Harold M. Brown. 

Banister-Back chair, 1730-40. From the Dr. Horace S. 
Fuller collection. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Rugs. Loaned by Mrs. Chas. R. Latham. 

BEDROOM 

Field Bedstead. Empire style of 1800-20. Originally be- 
longed to Mrs. Eliza H. Phelps, of West Townshend, Vt., who 




float of the Polish People 




Suffield Firemen Drawing the Old Hand Pump 




\\ est SulHcld School Children in Parade 




The Town Hall Decorated for the Celebration 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 93 



probably had it when she was married in 1814. The bed has 
its original hangings. 

Loaned by Mrs. Eliza S. P. Pierce. 

Bedspread. Woven and embroidered by Paulina Harmon 
(about 1791-1866), who made it before her marriage. 

Loaned by Mr. George A. Harmon. 

Trundle Bed. Trundle, or truckle beds were made as 
early as 1650. Has belonged to the Fuller family for over 
70 years. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fuller. 

Cradle. About 1820. Belonged to Dr. Asaph Bissell of 
Suffield. Quilt made by Mrs. Deming in i860. 

Loaned by Mr. Charles S. Bissell. 

Tripod Table. Walnut, about 1750. Formerly belonged to 
Francis Nichols of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Charles R. Latham. 

Glass Candlestick. Probably the first half of the i8th 
century. Came from the George Mather place in Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. George A. Harmon. 

Lowboy Dressing Table. 1710-20. Property of the 
Latham family for over one hundred years. 

Loaned by Charles R. Latham. 

Mirror Frame. Last quarter of the i8th century. Found 
in the attic of the George Mather house in Suffield. 

Loaned by Karl C. Kulle. 

Corner Washstand. Heppelwhite style, 1790- 1800. Prob- 
ably belonged to Asahel Hathaway of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Charles C. Bissell. 

Pitcher and Basin. "Gaudy painted ware." Originally 
from the Alfred Owen family of Suffield. 

Loaned by Miss Alena F. Owen. 

Writing Table. Sheraton style, about 1800. Originally 
belonged to Dr. Oliver Pease of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Edward A. Fuller. 

Chest of Drawers. About 1800. Belonged to Dr. Oliver 
Pease of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Edward A. Fuller. 

Mirror. Dressing glass. About 1790. Belonged to Dr. 
Oliver Pease of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Edward A. Fuller. 

Bureau. Probably 1750 or earlier. Belonged to the Halla- 
day family of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Clara H. Phelps. 

Mirror. Mentioned in an old inventory of the Isaac Owen 
estate in 1756. 

Loaned by Miss Alena F. Owen. 



94 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

Clock. Mantel type, 1820-30. Belonged to Chauncey Pome- 
roy of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Charles C. Bissell. 

Bedspread. Blue and white; hand woven in Strassburg, 
France, about 1800. Brought to this country in 1840 by Harriet 
Huntsinger. 

Loaned by Mrs. Charles S. Fuller. 

Bedspread. Home spun and hand woven in 1720 in Ver- 
mont. Stamped and worked by an invalid. Taken by horse- 
back to Conway, Mass., the only way of travel before roads 
were laid out. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. D. Ives of Conway, Mass. 

Glass Lamp. Probably late i8th century. Belonged to 
Mrs. Calvin Philio of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Seymour Loomis and Mr. John Norton. 
Sheffield Candlesticks. Came from the Martin Rockwell 
(1778-1834) family, South Windsor, Conn. 

Loaned by Mrs. Laura Southergill. 

Chair. Comb-back rocker, about 1800. Bought at auction 
at Mrs. Simon Kendall's place, Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Fuller. 
Bedside Table. 1800-10. Sheraton style. Belonged to 
Jennett Barnard Owen of West Suffield. 

Loaned by Amos B. and John Crane. 

Tripod Table. Large top, first quarter of the iSth cen- 
tury. Belonged to Rev. Ebenezer Devotion, one of the early 
pastors of the Congregational Church in Suffield. 

Loaned by Dr. Harold M. Brown. 

Easy Chair. Last quarter of the i8th century. Belonged 
to Asahel Hatheway of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. D. N. Carrington. 

Arm Chair. Dutch style about 1725. Belonged to the 
Leavitt family of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Chas. C. Bissell. 

Rocker. Four slats in back, about 1750. Belonged to the 
Halladay family of Suffield. 

Loaned by Miss Marjorie Halladay. 

Chair. Chippendale style, third quarter of the i8th century. 
Belonged to Andrew Clark, who came from Great Barrington to 
Suff.eld forty years ago. 

Loaned by Miss Antoinette Clark. 

Chair. Sheraton style, 1 790-1 800. Original seat covering. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schwartz. 

Embroidered Picture. From the Halladay family. 

Loaned by Miss Marjorie Halladay. 
Sampler and Silhouette. Samples made by Hannah Spooner 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 95 

Cooper in 1785, aged 10 years. Silhouette of Hannah Spooner 
Cooper. 

Loaned by Mr. Wilham Cooper. 

Willow Picture. 1818. Belonged to Abigail Johnson of 
Lebanon, Conn. 

Loaned by Mrs. P. W. Street. 

Print. "Morning Prayer." Belonged to Mary Anne Corey 
Clark, of Washington Mountain, Massachusetts, who brought 
it to Suffield 64 years ago. 

Loaned by Miss Antoinette Clark. 

Work Basket. Belonged to Mary King Fuller, who was 
married in 1796. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Bible. Joseph Fuller family Bible, 1796. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Table Cover. Embroidered in wool by Alary Bulkley of 
Rocky Hill. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Rugs. Loaned by Mrs. Chas. R. Latham and Mrs. William 
Clement. 

LIVING ROOM 

Tripod Table. Tip table, about 1800. Belonged to Dr. J. 
K. Spelman of Suffield. 

Loaned by Dr. Harold K. Brown. 

Sofa. Sheraton style, about 1800. From the Dr. Horace S. 
Fuller collection. 

Loaned by Mrs. Caroline F. Sutton. 

Card Table. Sheraton style, half round, 1 790-1 800. For- 
merly belonged to Fannie L. Crane of Suffield. 

Loaned by Amos B. and John Crane. 

Slant Top ScRUTOiRE. 1740-50. "The use of this low frame 
with bandy legs seems to have been popular principally in Con- 
necticut." — Lockwood. Belonged to Phineas Sheldon of West 
Suffield. 

Loaned by Karl C. Kulle. 

Tea Table. Rectangular top with raised edges; candle 
slides. Probably the last quarter of the i8th century. 

Loaned by Miss Emma Newton. 

Pembroke Table. Hepplewhite style, last quarter of the 
i8th century. Came from Remington family of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. S. Fuller. 

Tripod Table. Raised edge, square top, 1780-90. 

Loaned by Mr. Samuel R. Spencer. 



96 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

Banjo Clock. Willard, about 1800. From the Alfred Owen 
family of Suffield. 

Loaned by Miss Alena F. Owen. 

Chairs. Windsor arm chair, third quarter of the i8th cen- 
tury. From the Gay Mansion, Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Chas. C. Bissell. 

Windsor rocker, last quarter of the 18th century. Belonged 
to the Gideon Granger family of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. L. P. Bissell. 

Two chairs in the Dutch style, 1710-30. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. L. Spencer. 

Arm chair in Chippendale style, third quarter of the 1 8th 
century. Belonged to the Allen Rising family of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Samuel R. Spencer. 

Chair in Chippendale style, third quarter of the 1 8th century. 

Loaned by Karl C. Kulle. 

Roundabout chair, 1720-30. Belonged to Amos S. Crane of 
Suffield. 

Loaned by Amos B. and John Crane. 

Easy chair, about 1800. Belonged to Dr. Oliver Pease of 
Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Edward A. Fuller. 

Ladder back chair, 1770-80. From the Dr. Horace S. Fuller 
collection. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Chair in Chippendale style, third quarter of the 1 8th century. 
From the Dr. Horace S. Fuller collection. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Picture. Congregational Church of Suffield, which stood 
from 1 83 8-1 868. 

Loaned by Miss Fannie Mather. 

Picture. "Consultation of the Doctors." 1760. Belonged 
to Dr. Oliver Pease of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. E. A. Fuller. 

Picture. Engraving, "Washington's Younger Days." 

Loaned by Mrs. Sarah L. Spencer. 

Candlesticks. Pair, yellow glass. Belonged to Mrs. Henry 
Wright of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Fuller. 

Pair, Brass. Belonged to Hezekiah Spencer of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Alfred Spencer. 

Single, Brass. Belonged to Fannie L. Crane of Suffield. 

Loaned by Amos B. and John Crane. 

Sampler. 1823. Worked by mother of the late Arthur Sikes. 

Loaned by Mrs. Arthur Sikes. 










The Hostess House with a Group of Hostesses in Front 




An Interior of the Hostess House 




Specimen Indian Relics fuund near Lake CniiL'aniund 









.III 







Tiie Old Boston Neck Mill Dam 
Probably constructed about 1687 by Major Pynchon 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 97 

Lamp. Brass body, glass globe with prisms. Belonged to 
Adeline Fuller of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. S. Fuller. 

Ink Pot. Belonged to Alfred Spencer, of Suffield, who lived 
prior to 1837. 

Loaned by Mr. Samuel R. Spencer. 

Mirror. Cutwork frame, decorated with pheasant wings 

overt. About 1780-90. Belonged to Asahel Hatheway of 
Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. D. D. Carrington. 

Portraits. Hezekiah Spencer (1795-1873) and Cecelia 
Spencer (1806-1889) of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. C. Luther Spencer. 

Silhouette. Seth Pease of Suffield (1764-1819), Assistant 
Postmaster-General during Jefferson and Madison administra- 
tions. 

Loaned by Mr. Seymour Loomis and Mr. John Norton. 

Family Record. Owen record and silhouettes. 

Loaned by Amos B. and John Crane. 

Turned Couch. Or stretcher, Dutch style, 1710-20. Be- 
longed to Josiah King, Jr., of Suffield in 1762. 

Loaned by Mrs. Harriet W. Strpng. 

Vases. Parian marble. Belonged to the Joseph Fuller family. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Fancy vase from the Dr. Horace S. Fuller collection. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Bohemian Glass vase. Belonged to the Kendall family of 
Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Edmund Halladay. 

Girandoles. About 1820. Formerly belonged to Parkes 
Loomis of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. L. P. Bissell. 

Footstool. Belonged to Horace Granger of West Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Samuel R. Spencer. 

Foot Warmer. Belonged to Mindwell Pease Norton of 
Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Seymour Loomis and Mr. John Norton. 

Andirons. Belonged to Dr. J. K. Spellman of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Clement Mather. 

Warming Pan, Shovel and Tongs. Brass. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. S. Fuller. 

Fire Fender. Brass, with lion feet. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. L. Spencer. 

Carpet. Brussels carpets were made as early as the middle 



98 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

of the 1 8th century at Wilton, England. This carpet is over 
one hundred years old. 

Loaned by Mrs. Hobart Truesdell. 

DINING ROOM 

Sideboard. Hepplewhite style, 1 790-1 800. One of a pair 
which belonged to Ebenezer King, Jr., of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Alfred Spencer. 

Console Table. Hepplewhite style, 1790-1800. One of a 
pair which belonged to Ebenezer King, Jr., of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Alfred Spencer. 

Dining Table. Drop leaves, Dutch legs, second quarter of 
the 1 8th century. Probably belonged to Lieut. Thomas Spencer 
of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. Alfred Spencer. 

Tripod Table. Third quarter of the i8th century. For- 
merly belonged to Hezekiah Spencer of Sufheld. 

Loaned by Mr. Alfred Spencer. 

Highboy. 1725-50. Scroll-top, with spiral flame finials. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Philip Schwartz. 

Chairs. Four chairs, showing Dutch influence, 1710-20. 
Originally belonged to Consider Williston of Sufiield. 

Loaned by Mrs. E. A. Fuller. 

Two chairs, showing Dutch influence, 1710-20. Originally 
belonged to the Oliver Sheldon family of Suffleld. 

Loaned by Mrs. Donald North of Howard, Rhode Island, and 
Miss Alena F. Owen. 

Tea Table. Walnut, about 1725. Raised edge and candle 
slides. From the Gay Mansion, Suffleld. 

Loaned by Mrs. John M. Holcombe of Hartford. 

Sheffield Plate Teapot. Belonged to Thompson Grant 
of Enfield. 

Loaned by Mr. and IVIrs. Chas. S. Fuller. 

Sheffield Plate Candlesticks, Snuffer and Tray. For- 
merly belonged to Thaddeus Granger, East St., Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. E. A. Fuller. 

Early Glass Decanter. Belonged to Frances Olcott 
Mather of Suffield. 

Loaned by Miss Fannie Mather. 

Early Glass Decanter. From the Latham family. 

Loaned by Mr. Chas. R. Latham. 

English Cut Glass Decanter. From the Latham family. 

Loaned by Mr. Chas. R. Latham. 

Lowestoft Teapot, Cup and Saucer. From the Latham 
family. 

Loaned by Mr. Chas. R. Latham. 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 99 

Lowestoft Teapot, Cup and Saucer. From the Dr. Horace 
S. Fuller collection. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Staffordshire Teapot. From the Alfred Owen family of 
Suffield. 

Loaned by Miss Alena F. Owen. 

"Old Blue" Punch Bowl. About 200 years old. Wedding 
gift of Anne Hathaway, wife of Theodore King, great grand- 
father of the present owner. 

Loaned by Mrs. O. R. Bugbee. 

Glass Bread Plate. Formerly belonged to Paul Sykes, 
who lived prior to 1798. 

Loaned by Mrs. Arthur Sikes. 

Staffordshire Platter and Vegetable Dishes. Belonged 
to Dr. Oliver Pease of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. E. A. Fuller. 

Staffordshire Plates. Two Clewes plates and one Enoch 
Wood plate from the Dr. Horace S. Fuller collection. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Pewter Porringers. Belonged to Joseph Fuller of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. C. F. Sutton. 

Staffordshire Pitcher. Belonged to the Kendall family 
of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Fordham Russell. 

"Old Blue" Sugar Bowl. Belonged to the Kendall family 
of Sufheld. 

Loaned by Miss Marjorie Halladay. 

Pictures. Print " Mount Vernon " from the Halladay family. 

Loaned by Miss Marjorie Halladay. 

Print "Washington Greeting Lafayette." Belonged to Chaun- 
cey Pomeroy of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mrs. Chas. C. Bissell. 

Print "Battle of Lexington." Belonged to Hezekiah Spencer 
of Suffield. 

Loaned by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. L. Spencer. 

Mirror. "Constitution" style, about 1790. Belonged to 
Mary Hastings Kent of Suffield. 

Loaned by Dr. Harold M. Brown. 

Rug. 

Loaned by Mrs. Chas. R. Latham. 

The fourth room was in charge of Sibbil Dwight Kent Chap- 
ter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mrs. David W. 
Goodale, Regent, chairman; and was used for an exhibition of old 
china, embroideries, samplers, funeral wreaths, and miscella- 
neous articles of old time handiwork and interest; and, in addi- 



lOO QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 



tion, beautiful handicraft, tlie work of our foreign sisters. The 
things in this room were not catalogued but listed 260 different 
objects. The Daughters assisting in this room were dressed in 
grey gowns, with cap kerchief and cuffs, making the picturesque 
appearance of the Pilgrim. Mrs. Philo W. Street was in charge 
of the two cases of rare old china, all of which had been used 
in the homes of Suffield, and handed down from one generation 
to another as heirlooms. Many pieces were included in the 
wedding outfits of the women of several generations ago. 

Mrs. Albert R. Pierce was in charge of the large case of 
exquisite embroideries and needlework; without doubt the most 
valuable collection in the room. Many of these fine pieces were 
loaned by the descendants of the most prominent families who 
were active in town affairs a century and more ago. They came 
from Boston and New York and even from as far away as Cali- 
fornia, the senders all showing the deepest interest in the "old 
home town." One fine embroidered bridal dress belonging to 
one of the "Parson Gay" family was a marvel of intricate 
needlework; and this was only one of the more than one hundred 
pieces in the case. The wonder to this generation is how they 
could set all these beautifully exact stitches with only a tallow 
dip as illuminating power. 

Mrs. John L. Ingraham was the custodian of the miscellane- 
ous case which was filled with all manner of beautiful and his- 
toric articles, such as the compass by which the Town of Suf- 
field was laid out 250 years ago; and the beautiful old com- 
munion set of solid silver owned by the First Church of Christ 
of Suffield, and used until some twelve years ago. There were 
silver spoons made from the shoe buckles of Jonathan Edwards, 
the eminent divine. Several quaint dolls and strange toys in a 
good state of preservation were objects of interest. The votmg 
list of 1834, and an autograph letter from Gideon Granger, 
Postmaster-General, written to Oliver Pease, town clerk of 
Suffield, attracted much notice. A number of very old books, 
both interesting and valuable, were in this collection, among 
them being a New England primer. Silhouettes of by-gone 
people of note gave a good idea of the features, if not the 
expression, on the faces. 

The wall space and foreign work was cared for by Mrs. D. W. 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL SUFFFIELD lOI 



Goodale. Here were displayed many samplers, funeral wreaths, 
lustre work, hairwork, and memorial pictures; all showing the 
beginnings of artistic taste, and in the main, work of youthful 
fingers. One elaborate bedspread was knitted by a child of 
nine years. The musket carried by Elihu Kent, the husband of 
Sibbil Dwight Kent, the Patron Saint of the local chapter of 
Daughters of the American Revolution, carried by him on the 
march to Lexington, was on exhibition, as well as one carried m 
the war of 1812, and another during the Civil War. One object 
attracting universal attention was the first Post Office of Suf- 
field. A wooden box about twenty inches high and long, by a 
little less in depth, and containing twelve boxes was all that was 
needed at first for the distribution of the mail of Suffield people. 
Another object of interest was the "ungodly fiddle" that was 
used to lead the singing of the congregation of the Zion Hill 
Church in its very early days. 

The Foreign Work was a great addition to this room and, 
while not strictly old, they were all fine specimens of handwork. 
One case was given to them as well as a large place on the wall. 
Curious and intricate stitches were shown in crochet and needle- 
work, in bright colored flowers and sofa pillows. A large bed- 
spread in fine crochet, all in one piece, was a beautiful exhibition 
of patient work. Another large blanket of wonderful weaving 
of red a^d blue wool brought from Poland was beautiful in 
design and texture. 

A large painting by Willis Adams, Suffield's noted artist, of 
one of the beautiful views on the Connecticut near his home 
on East Street was on one of the walls of this room; another 
was a quaint picture of the old ferry boat so long used at the 
Douglass Ferry. 

Exhibition of Indian Relics 

The exhibition of Indian relics, selected from the large col- 
lection of Mr. Henry A. Miller of Sufiield, was a feature at- 
tracting many interested visitors during the celebration. This 
collection of nearly 4000 perfect specimens has been found 
mainly near the Miller homestead on the east shoreof Congamond 
Lakes or nearby. This was evidently a favorite place for the 
old tribes in the days before the white men. The interlacing 



I02 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

branches of the great pine trees formed a thick tent protecting 
them from the cold of winter and the heat of summer. A warm 
sandy soil free from brush and carpeted with pine needles made 
a comfortable place for the wigwams, and the fish and game 
furnished abundant sustenance. History tells little of the tribes, 
but the evidence is that Indians went there from the Agawams on 
the east, from the Pequots on the south and probably from the 
Mohawks on the west and north. 

Among the many specimens found and examples of which were 
exhibited were hard stone mortars with pestles for pounding and 
grinding corn, soapstone pots for boiling corn, fish and other 
food, spear points, arrows and spear heads, axes, hatchets, 
tomahawks, chisels, gouges, celts for skinning and tanning 
hides, and stones for polishing them. Such formed the chief 
instruments for domestic life, for industry and for war. Among 
other articles were pipes, firestones, banner stones, love tokens, 
paint pots, charms, ear and nose ornaments, scalping knives 
and record stones with a notch for every scalp. 



From Suffield Sons and Daughters 



Letters regretting inability to attend the celebration were re- 
ceived by the Invitation Committee from several sons and 
daughters of Suflield or descendants of old Suffield families and 
the following expressions have been culled from responses: 

From Mr. Judson Harmon, former Governor of Ohio and a 
member of President Cleveland's cabinet. 

"I thank you for the invitation to the Suffield anniversary 
and am very sorry I shall be unable to attend. I have the volume 
issued on the two hundredth anniversary fifty years ago, and a 
few years later made a visit to Suffield where my grandfather, 
David Harmon, was born. I was entertained by one of my dis- 
tant kinsmen, whose Christian name I have noted somewhere 
but do not now recall. No Harmons appear on the committee 
of invitations, which causes me to wonder whether that once 
prolific tribe has become extinct in Suffield, though it is numer- 
ous elsewhere. If so it must be due to the wanderlust which ap- 



QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD IO3 



pears so generally in American families. I wish you all a suc- 
cessful celebration." 

From George Francis Sykes, professor of Zoology and Physi- 
ology in Oregon State College, Corvallis, Ore. 

"As a lineal descendent of one of the early settlers of Suffield 
and myself formerly a citizen of the town, I take pride in the 
two hundred and fiftieth anniversary celebration. Although not 
one of the seven sons of Sumner, son of Jesse, son of Victory, to 
claim residence in Suffield now, our hearts and our hopes are 
with you at this momentous time. My mother and two sisters, 
Lottie and Clara are voters in the State of Oregon. Although so 
far away we are connected by geographic links with the old 
home town; Horace is in Chicago, Jesse in Cleveland and Eu- 
gene in Springfield. Greetings to friends and former acquaint- 
ances in Suffield." 

From Hannah L. Phelps, Long Beach, California. 

"As a native of Sufl[ield, a long time resident and one whose 
ancestors for four generations have lived and are buried there, 
I could not but be greatly interested in anything concerning its 
history and development. I should greatly enjoy seeing the 
beautiful old town again." 

From Mrs. C. C. Nichols of Wilmington, O. (formerly Elouisa 
Fitch King). 

"We appreciate the invitation and feel that it is a privation 
to forego the pleasure of being in Suffield on so interesting an 
occasion. Dear Old Suffield! The birthplace of my parents and 
grandparents and many other relatives who have long ago passed 
over. My father was Joseph Warren King and my mother's 
maiden name was Betsey Kendall. Many wishes for the success 
of the great anniversary from my husband, Clinton Corwin 
Nichols and myself. 

From Mrs. H. Spencer Colton Wright Cornwell, Minnequa 
Hospital, Pueblo, Colorado. 

"As my father and I both attended the C.L.L, as a former 
resident of dear old Suffield and lineal descendent of William 
Pynchon, Gov. Wyllys, Deacon Samuel Chapin, Quartermaster 
George Colton and allied families I regret my inability to attend 
the celebration. In my club, sociological and Americanization 
work I have tried to inculcate the fundamental principles of 



I04 QUARTER MILLENNIAL OF SUFFIELD 

true religion and patriotism bequeathed to us by those God 
fearing Puritans — thus trying in a most modest way to prove 
myself a worthy daughter of Suffield. 

In accepting an invitation to be present, Frank B. Gay, 
Director of the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, wrote: 

The grandson of a Sufheld woman and with relatives still 
living and honored in its community, I well recall the many 
delightful hospitalities I have enjoyed in its homes. My father 
took me to the two hundredth anniversary of the town; and 
memories of the doings on that day are still much more lively 
and persistent than of many other affairs since, which I have 
attended. I have never forgotten the "new Congregational 
Church" and its organ, the program which seemed rather long 
to the boys of my age; then there was the big band which we 
trailed wherever it played. But beyond all else was the "feed" 
in the vast tent — so it seemed to us. Another reason for accept- 
ing is that it seems likely I shall be unavoidably absent at the 
Tri-Centennial anniversary even though the committee of that 
day shall remember me. 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



IN OTHER DAYS 



Mists have settled thickly over the years as they have receded 
into the past, hiding much of the lives of the early generations 
of Suffield, as of other old New England towns. Life went on 
leaving something of its history in the quaint and laconic town 
records and something in family histories or traditions or story, 
but more that is lost. Socially, economically and religiously 
Sufheld was little different from other valley towns. Like others 
it had its Indians, taverns, negro slaves, tithingmen, stocks, 
pounds, and commons; and its minister and schoolmaster. For 
over one hundred and fifty years it maintained a rank but lititle 
below that of Springfield and Hartford. Politically, however, 
its situation was somewhat unique, because it lay in the direct 
path of the long warfare over boundaries, both town and colo- 
nial. In a general way the history of this controversy has been 
recorded and published, but there were many peculiarly stirring 
times for Suffield people and in them was the genesis and de- 
velopment of that persistent feeling that ultimately led to sepa- 
ration from Massachusetts. 

No complete history of the town has yet been undertaken, 
but it has been more fortunate than many others in the results 
of the labor and research of Suffield men of the last generation. 
They opened a door to a better knowledge of the past and their 
work is a legacy that will be more and more prized with the 
years. Preeminent in this labor of love for the old town was the 
late Hezekiah S. Sheldon who, besides compiling and publishing 
his "Documentary History of Suffield 1660 to 1749," collected 
many valuable records and relics of early Suffield and rare books 
of colonial times, including Suffield imprints, now constituting 
the Sheldon collection in the Kent Memorial Library. He care- 
fully examined the old records of the Pynchon family and of 
Hampshire county, and any others throwing light on the early 
history of the town. Though he included much of the results of 
his research in his documentary history, he left many notes that 
have not been published but have furnished much material for 
the pages that are to follow. 



I08 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

The late William L. Loomis, for many years town clerk, de- 
voted much labor to the collection of the genealogical record of 
the old Sufheld families and carefully transcribed them in a 
large volume now kept in the town vault. Other historical data 
have been brought to light from time to time in connection with 
church or school anniversaries. In connection with records of 
all Connecticut towns, the State Library at Hartford contains 
much material relating to Suffield but still awaiting the special 
study of a Sufheld historian. 

Supplementary to the story of the two hundred and fiftieth 
anniversary of the settlement of the town, it is the purpose in the 
pages to follow to include some references to men and events not 
generally in printed record, or that furnish glimpses of the 
periods to which they belong; to trace briefly the history of the 
churches, schools and other institutions, of enterprises that have 
passed orstill persist, and to add briefly some record of the events 
and changes of the past fifty years or since the celebration of 
the Bi-Centennial in 1870. The hope is that much of this later 
history, though within the memory of many now living, will 
gather value with age, and for those who may celebrate the 
three hundredth anniversary of the settlement of the town, 
leave a clearer record of the years behind them. 

Though the effort has been to make this supplementary record 
as accurate as possible, it is realized that it is far from complete, 
and could not be made so without an expenditure of time and 
research that this volume does not permit. Much that should 
be included may have been omitted, and as it is, these pages 
could not have been gathered together but for the prompt and 
cheerful co-operation of many different people of the town for 
whose kindness and interest the Committee on Publications 
wishes to make acknowledgment and to express appreciation. 

The Pioneers 

Among Mr. H. S. Sheldon's unpublished notes are the follow- 
ing sketches of the members of the committee appointed by the 
Massachusetts General Court to settle Suffield: 

Major John Pynchon was the son of William Pynchon who was 
the founder of Springfield. He was born in England in 1625 and 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW IO9 

came to New England with his father, mother and three sisters 
in 1630, and to Springfield in 1636. In 1652 the father returned 
to England, and the son from that time was the chief man in 
western Massachusetts. His executive and administrative abili- 
ties were of a high order; he was legislator, judge, soldier and a 
devout Christian. He was a merchant, dealing largely in furs 
and shipping them to England. He owned boats and shallops, 
employed men and teams and did the principal transportation 
business of the valley. He also owned several saw and grist 
mills in the county, at this time of the first importance and 
value to the settlers. 

Besides these numerous responsibilities, he was chief agent 
for purchasing the land from the Indians and settling the towns 
of Northampton, Hadley, Deerfield, Northfield, Enfield and 
Suffield. A monument of enduring granite should crown some 
hilltop that overlooks the valley where rest his ashes. No fitter 
name for memorial brass or sculptured stone has yet appeared 
in New England history. 

Though there are portraits of his father, William Pynchon, 
and of other magistrates of the period, none of Major Pynchon 
exist. 

Captain Elizur Holyoke was born in England and came to 
New England in 1637 when about twenty years old. He married 
Mary, sister of Major Pynchon in 1640, and thereafter dwelt in 
Springfield. As legislator, judge, and public man, he ranked next 
to Mr. Pynchon, and upon him as a counselor, guide and friend 
Major Pynchon chiefly relied. Capt. Holyoke was a farmer by 
calling but was chiefly employed in public affairs. He held a 
large landed estate in Springfield; from him Mt. Holyoke was 
named. He died in 1676. 

Lieutenant Thomas Cooper came to this country from Eng- 
land in 1635 when eighteen years old. He was a first settler of 
Windsor and there worked at the carpenter's trade. He removed 
to Springfield about 1641 and built the first Meeting House 
there in 1645. He was chosen ensign of the Springfield company 
and afterwards lieutenant. On the fifth of October 1675, being 
in command of the Springfield company in the absence of Major 
Pynchon, he went out from the Fort as a scout to examine and 
explore the Indian Fort at Pecowsic. He was fired upon by In- 



no SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

dians in ambush and soon after died of his wounds at the age of 
fifty-eight. The death of Captain Holyoke and Lieutenant 
Cooper left but four of the committee to complete the settlement 
of Sufiield. 

Quartermaster George Colton was in Springfield as early as 
1644. He later settled in Longmeadow where he died in 1699. 

Ensign Benjamin Cooley came to Springfield as early as 1646 
and later settled in Longmeadow where he died in 1684. 

Rowland Thomas came to Springfield at about the same time 
and was much employed in the public business of the colony. 
From him Mt. Tom derived its name. He died in 1698. 

Samuel, Joseph and Nathaniel Harmon, sons of John Harmon 
of Springfield, were the first settlers. They were associated with 
Major Pynchon in an extensive fur trade and had ranged through 
the forests and among the streams of this region. It is said that 
they had sought to secure a grant for the plantation some ten 
years before the petition of 1670, and they had probably begun 
a settlement before that year. 

Samuel, who was unmarried, died in 1677, and his Suffield 
lands passed to his brothers, who became the leading men of the 
new plantation. Each brother had ten children, and Joseph had 
thirty-six and Nathaniel forty-five grandchildren, most of them 
born in Suffield. For more than one hundred years, the Harmons 
were numerous in the town, and were extensively intermarried 
with other old families. After the Revolution many joined the 
tide of migration to the new lands of the West, where now numer- 
ous families trace their ancestry to the Harmons of Suffield. 

From the date of the first settlement to the present the name 
has been preserved in Suffield but now is held only by Mr. 
George A. Harmon, the first selectman. He is a lineal descend- 
ant in the seventh generation from Joseph Harmon who was on 
the first board of selectmen of the town. 

Deerfield Captives 

Suffield like other towns in the valley participated in the 
tragedies of the Deerfield attack and the captivity of some of its 
people. One of the captives who never came back was a grand- 
son of James Rising, who settled in Suffield after King Philip's 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW III 



war at the lower end of High Street. He died in 1688 and his 
son John inherited the estate and married a daughter of Timothy 
Hale. They had nine children, one of whom, Josiah, was only 
four years old when his mother died. His father married again, 
and Josiah was sent to Deerfield to live with his father's cousin, 
Mehuman Hinsdell, whose house was opposite that of Benoni 
Stebbins. 

After the Deerfield attack, Mehuman Hinsdell, whose wife 
and child had been killed, found himself a captive on the road 
to Canada with the boy Josiah Rising. In the same train were 
the wife of Godfrey Sims and their daughter Abigail, four years 
old. Abigail went to live with the squaw of her Indian captor 
and Josiah to the wigwam of his Macqua master, and with 
other captive children they were sent to the mission of Mar- 
guerite Bourgeois at Sault au RecoUet near Montreal. The 
records show that both were baptized, Abigail in 1704 as Mary 
Elizabeth, and Josiah in 1706 as Ignace Raizenne. They were 
evidently favorites for in the several attempts made to redeem 
the captives Josiah and Abigail were never given up. 

After the peace of Utrecht Captain John Stoddard and Parson 
Williams, with Martin Kellogg and Thomas Baker as guides 
and interpreters, undertook another mission to secure the 
remaining captives and arrived in Canada in 17 14. There is evi- 
dence in the Massachusetts records that Abigail's Indian mas- 
ter, learning of the mission, took her down to Westfield and 
tried to sell her. Whatever happened, it is on the records that 
Josiah and Abigail were married by a priest in the Church of 
Notre Dame de Lorette at Sault au RecoUet the next year, or 
July 29, 1715. The missing link in the story is how Abigail was 
brought back to Montreal. 

Josiah's father, John Rising, died in Suffield in 1719, and 
bequeathed to his "well beloved son, Josiah, now in captivity, 
the sum of five pounds in money to be paid out of my estate 
within three years after my decease, provided he return from 
capitivity." But he never returned. Josiah and Abigail forgot 
their own people and became the progenitors of a family notable 
in the religious life of the French in Canada. In 1721 the mission 
was transferred to the Lake of the Two Mountains and the 
priests gave Josiah and Abigail, or Ignace and Elizabeth Raiz- 



112 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

enne as their new names were, a domain of their own a short 
distance from the Fort. There they Uved for many years, and of 
their eight children the eldest, Marie Madeline, was a nun 
named Sister Saint Herman and taught Indian girls for a 
quarter of a century. The eldest son was a priest and cure of 
excellent character and ability. Marie Ralzenne, born in 1736 
was the most famous of the children. She was Lady Superior 
of the Community of the Congregation, 

The Martin Kellogg who went to Canada In 1714 as Interpreter 
for John Stoddard was doubtless the eldest son of Martin Kel- 
logg who with his four children was taken captive to Canada. 
The father quickly gained his liberty and came to Suffield to live, 
his farm being on Northampton Road. Martin Jr. was re- 
deemed once, but again taken In 1708 while with a scouting 
party, and again redeemed. The second son, Joseph Kellogg, was 
a prisoner ten years and became familiar with the languages and 
customs of the Indian tribes. In 1714 he was persuaded to leave 
with the Stoddard party, and returned to his father's home In 
Suffield. He married a sister of Rev. Mr. Devotion. The third 
child, Joanna, married an Indian chief and never returned. The 
fourth, Rebecca, after a long captivity returned and was long 
employed in Indian mission schools in western New York. 

Early Courts and Lawyers 

For many years Hampshire county contained all of western 
Massachusetts Including the present towns of Suffield, Enfield 
and Somers. Worcester County was not Incorporated till 173 1 ; 
the three towns went into Connecticut in 1749, and Berkshire 
became a separate county in 1761. Practice in the early courts 
was as crude as the settlements but In 1692 Massachusetts by 
law established Courts of Common Pleas and substituted a 
Superior Court for the Court of Assistants. The old court re- 
cords deal largely with two subjects — the establishment and 
repair of highways and the human frailties of many people, even 
prominent settlers. In those hard and strictly religious days. 

One of the early Suffield lawyers was Christopher Jacob 
Lawton, born In 1701, and grandson of John Lawton a first 
settler. Like many adventurous spirits of those days he became 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW IIj 

something of a land speculator and promoter of settlements. 
When in 1713 the long standing dispute between Suffield and 
the towns to the south was settled, and Windsor and Simsbury 
gained the disputed territory that forms the notch to the south- 
west of Sufheld, the people were much aggrieved and subsequent 
events did not improve their feelings toward Massachusetts. 
In 1726 John Kent, Sergeant King and Captain Winchell were 
chosen a committee "to pursue that matter respecting the ob- 
taining an equivalent for the land taken from the said Proprie- 
tors by the late establishment of the line of Connecticut, and 
given to Windsor and Simsbury." 

In 1732 this committee was impowered to employ Christopher 
Jacob Lawton to petition the General Court in order to obtain 
an equivalent. 

It appears from other records that Lawton had already se- 
cured extensive tracts of land in the region then known as Hous- 
satanick and now as the fashionable Berkshire Hills, and that 
sometime before or during the year 1732, when Suffield retained 
him, he had already petitioned the General Court for a grant 
of 500 acres on "that part of the road from Westfield to Albany 
that lies between Westfield and Houssatanick," on the plea that 
travelers suffered great hardships because there was no tavern 
along the road. Long before these western Massachusetts wilds 
were settled, an old road or path led from Westfield over the hills 
to the Hudson and later became a thoroughfare for the armies 
engaged in the French and Indian wars. 

It has been surmised that Lawton had an interest in the lands, 
afterwards the town of Blandford, as a connecting link between 
his Housatonic lands and the river towns. In any case the Gen- 
eral Court at Boston granted him the 500 acres on condition 
that he would erect a house of entertainment with suitable 
stables by September i, 1734, ^^^ should himself reside in it or 
provide a suitable person to reside there. In the same year, and 
presumably at the instance of Lawton whom the town had re- 
tained, the General Court granted to the Suffield Proprietors 
as an equivalent for the lost Simsbury lands a tract six miles 
square, which was roughly known as Glasgow and later became 
Blandford. The quantity for each proprietor was two hundred 
and thirty acres. 



114 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



Meantime Lawton built a tavern in the west portion of the 
present Blandford, and put a man named Joseph Pixley in charge 
of it. It was long known as Pixley's tavern. Meantime also the 
Suffield Proprietors had found no way to make their equivalents 
of value, and they gradually sold them to Lawton at such sums 
as he bid. 

Lawton evidently had some trouble with the Massachusetts 
General Court but the incidents are obscure. It is possible that 
having acquired the whole town region from the Suffield Pro- 
prietors, he showed less concern for the conditions of the small 
grant of land within it for a tavern. The records show that he 
sold the first lots to the settlers of Blandford. 

A contemporary of Lawton in the law was John Huggins, who 
was born in Suffield in 1688. He moved to Springfield where he 
had an extensive practice, and about 1732 removed to Sheffield, 
where he continued in practice and was succeeded in the pro- 
fession by his son. He is reputed to have had as correct knowl- 
edge of the law as any man of that day. 

General Phinehas Lyman 
Practice in the Hampshire County Courts had become greatly 
improved in the second quarter of the eighteenth century and 
it has been attributed to three men, Phinehas Lyman of Suffield, 
John Worthington of Springfield and Joseph Hawley of North- 
ampton — contemporaries and all men of note. Of these Lyman 
and Hawley became most famous, the former, however, passing 
from the scene before the Revolution, while Hawley participated 
in it. General Lyman was born in Durham, Conn., in 1716, was 
graduated from Yale in 1738 and for three years was a tutor 
there. Meantime he studied law and in 1743 came to Suffield, 
then in Hampshire County, and began practice. His business 
soon became extensive and he established a lawschool at Suffield; 
John Worthington and Joseph Hawley were among his pupils. 
Historians of the period have attributed to him in large measure 
the separation of Suffield and the other Connecticut towns from 
Massachusetts, though it is evident from the town and other 
records that the people of Suffield were unwilling subjects of 
Massachusetts as early as 1720, or almost a quarter of a century 
before Lyman came to town. It was his influence and skill, 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW II5 

however, that finally accomplished it. The late George Bliss 
in a historical address on the bar of the period surmised that 
Lyman was not pleased with the growing fame of Worthington 
and was apprehensive that they could not move harmoniously 
in the same orbit. This is doubtful as Lyman's gifts were not 
likely to suffer from competition. 

He was chosen one of the town's selectmen in 1746, continued 
on the board from year to year, and was usually chosen modera- 
tor at town meetings. He was appointed justice of the peace 
for Hartford county in 1750 and also a commissioner to settle 
the Massachusetts boundary line with Governor Jonathan Law 
and Roger Wolcott; four years later he was one of the commis- 
sioners meeting with those of other colonies to take measures 
to prosecute the war against France. 

In March 1755 the General Assembly appointed him comman- 
der in chief of the Connecticut forces under the British comman- 
der, General William Johnson in the expedition against Crown 
Point with the object of driving the French from Lake Cham- 
plain. Lyman's troops marched ahead over the difficult route 
to the Hudson to the point where he built the fort afterwards 
named Fort Edwards. Then the army proceeded to Lake 
George where General Johnson laid out a camp to which the 
artillery and stores were later brought. Here the French from 
Crown Point attacked and a five hours battle ensued. General 
Johnson was wounded and General Lyman took command and 
won a signal victory. Among the Suffield soldiers in this expedi- 
tion were Lieutenant Elihu Kent, Sergeant Benjamin Bancroft 
Seth King, drummer, Nehemiah Harmon, Joel Adams, David 
Bement, Phinehas Lyman Jr., Noah Pomeroy, John Spencer, 
James Halladay, Zebulon Norton, Edward Foster and John 
White. 

In 1760 Connecticut sent four regiments under the command 
of General Lyman in the campaign against Montreal under 
General Amherst. The troops assembled at Albany in June of 
that year and began the march toward Montreal, reaching 
Oswego in July. At this point the troops embarked in batteaux 
August loth and sailed down the lake, entering the St. Lawrence 
the 15th. On the i8th Lyman's troops with British regulars 
reached the island on which Fort Levis is situated and were 



Il6 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

ordered to make the first attack. Under fire from the fort they 
landed on the island and erected batteries within 600 yards 
from which fire was opened the 23d; on the 25th the French 
surrendered. The expedition immediately passed down the river 
and invested Montreal, Lyman's regiment having a position in 
advance. On September 8th the French commander surren- 
dered, and this terminated the French war which had con- 
tinued six years and completed the conquest of Canada. Among 
the Suffield men in this expedition were Oliver Hanchett, John 
Harmon and Thaddeus Lyman. 

In 1762, Great Britian having declared war against Spain, 
the Connecticut General Assembly voted to raise and equip 
2300 men for the King's service. Under the act looo men were 
enlisted for the expedition against Havana. New York furnished 
800 and New Jersey 500, and the whole army was put in com- 
mand of General Lyman. Rev. John Graham, the first minister 
of the West Suffield Congregational church, was appointed 
chaplain. The expedition joined the force of Lord Albemarle 
which, after an attack of two months, captured Havana, thus 
completing within a few years a British victory over both France 
and Spain. Robert Burns commemorated the two events in 
"The Jolly Beggars" by a few spirited lines in which the old 
soldier sings: 
My 'prenticeship I passed where my leader breathed his last. 

When the bloody die was cast on the heights of Abram; 
I served out my trade when the gallant game was played 

And the Morro low was laid at the sound of the drum. 

By the treaty of Paris in 1763 Havana was restored to Spain 
but England received from France all the territory claimed by 
that country east of the Mississippi. This acquisition led to a 
movement for the colonization of the Mississippi region. Gen- 
eral Lyman went to England soon after returning from Havana 
and was there for about ten years engaged in obtaining Miss- 
issippi grants from the British Government. Returning to Suf- 
field, he formed a company of Connecticut men of adventurous 
inclinations including some from Suffield. 

In January 1774 he left Connecticut in a vessel commanded 
by Captain Goodrich and at about the same time his sons 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW llj 

Thaddeus and Phinehas Jr. sailed in another vessel from Ston- 
ington. Both vessels arrived safely at New Orleans, and General 
Lyman and his men immediately proceeded up the Mississippi 
river to the Big Black, thence up that river about seventeen 
miles where they fixed the site of a town. In June 1774 Thad- 
deus returned to Suffield for the purpose of settling his father's 
affairs and removing the family to Mississippi. General Lyman 
artd his son Phinehas remained to promote the settlement and 
make arrangements for the family. 

From Mr. H. S. Sheldon's notes it appears that General Lyman 
had sold his homestead in Suffield (situated on the south corner 
of Main Street and the West Suffield road and including the land 
where the present railroad station is) to Benjamin Bancroft who 
had been one of General Lyman's Suffield comrades in the 
French and Indian wars. The deed was executed in New York 
City January 6, 1774, and therefore when General Lyman was on 
his way to Mississippi. For some reason the property was bought 
back by his son Thaddeus when he returned to settle affairs, the 
deed being dated September 30, 1775 or about a year after his 
return. For some years General Lyman had owned the whole 
of Great Island in the Connecticut river and the records show 
that the same year he sold it to Roger Enos of Windsor for 200 
pounds. Thus all indicates that he planned a permanent depar- 
ture for his Mississippi enterprise. 

The records do not reveal the causes or the motives that 
operated in the Lyman family at this time. Thaddeus returned 
to Suffield in the summer of 1774, the year of the first Continen- 
tal Congress, and the declaration of rights. He was there when 
Captain Elihu Kent rallied his Suffield men at the time of the 
Lexington alarm. Patriots were already taking arms in all the 
colonies north and south. Washington had been appointed 
commander in chief; the battle of Bunker Hill had been fought; 
Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point that General Lyman had 
captured for the English, had been taken from the English by 
Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain boys in the months of 1775, 
before Thaddeus Lyman bought back his father's place. 

The records show that May I, 1776, Thaddeus, his mother, 
two brothers Oliver and Thompson and two sisters Eleanor and 
Experience in company with others, emigrants for the new 



I 15 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

Mississippi colony, sailed from Middletown Conn., and on 
July 30th reached the Mississippi river, a few days after the 
Declaration of Independence. For some reason the family 
did not reach General Lyman's plantation till about the middle 
of September and then learned that General Lyman and his son 
Phinehas were both dead. Phinehas Jr. died in Natchez in 1775, 
and his father soon after. Mrs. Lyman died a few days after 
arriving and was buried by the side of husband and son. 

Such was the tragic ending of one of SulBeld's most brilliant 
and notable men. His rare gifts and attainments would have 
placed him in the front rank of the patriots of the Revolutionary 
period could events have moulded his course differently. For 
twenty years he had been a soldier of the King. Though in those 
years Suffield was his home, his life had been on the march, in 
camp and field; he had led troops that ended the war against 
France and troops that ended the war against Spain, and during 
the ten years in which British policy bred revolution in the 
colonies he was in England, his adventurous spirit looking to a 
great new domain on the Mississippi. He had not been living in 
the atmosphere of colonial patriotism in the years preceding the 
Revolution, and it is not strange that, though he returned to 
Suffield on the eve of the Lexington alarm, he did not take up 
his sword for independence but, selling his Suffield property and 
gathering men about him, carried the British flag to that sad 
ending on the banks of the Lower Mississippi. Thaddeus and 
his sisters returned to Connecticut; he deeded the homestead 
to Benajah Kent June 2, 17S8, and settled in West Suffield. 

Gideoyi Granger 

Another Suffield lawyer to acquire large fame in national life 
was Gideon Granger, born in 1767, prepared for college by Rev. 
Ebenezer Gay and graduated from Yale in 1787. He practiced 
law in Suffield, his office being next to his father's house. He 
was a natural politician and in 1792 as the representative from 
Suffield became a leader in the Legislature. At first a Federalist 
in politics, he later espoused the cause of Jefferson and oppor- 
tunity for larger fame came to him in the presidental election 
of 1800. Gideon and his cousin were the most important cam- 
paign speakers for Jefferson in New England, the Federalist 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW II9 



Stronghold. Naturally these efforts attracted attention at Wash- 
ington to which the Government was now moving, and when, 
after the election, Gideon Granger visited Washington he had 
a notable reception. He was appointed postmaster-general 
and held the office throughout Jefferson's two terms and a large 
part of Madison's administration. He grew out of sympathy 
with the Madison wing of the party and, after resigning, re- 
moved to New York and became identified with the political 
fortunes of De Witt Clinton, dying in 1822. 

Hezekiah Huntington 

Hezekiah Huntington was born in 1759 in Tolland, Conn, 
in which his grandfather was one of the first settlers. He studied 
law with Gideon Granger and with John Trumbull, afterwards 
Judge of the Superior Court, and was admitted to the Hartford 
Bar in 1789. The next year he came to Suffield and rapidly es- 
tablished a law practice. April i, 1796 he bought the Phinehas 
Lyman homestead from Benajah Kent, who eight years before 
had bought it from Thaddeus Lyman, and at the same time 
became Suffield's first postmaster of record, the first quarterly 
return being made in the fall of 1796. With the Grangers he 
went into the Jefferson party and in 1806 was appointed at- 
torney for Connecticut. He held the oflftce until 1829. He repre- 
sented the town in the Legislature from 1802-5. I"^ ^813 he 
moved to Hartford where he died in 1842. He was the father of 
Judge Samuel H. Huntington who was born in Suflfield in 1793. 
The Lyman homestead was burned at about the time Hezekiah 
Huntington removed to Hartford, but his law office was saved 
and still stands on the lot where it has served for various 
purposes, including the office of School Superintendent for a 
period. 

William Gay 

William Gay, son of Dr. Ebenezer Gay and brother of Ebene- 
zer 2d, was a contemporary of Gideon Granger, being born the 
same year. He graduated from Yale, studied law and bought 
the house known as the Gay Mansion in 181 1. He succeeded 
Hezekiah Huntington as postmaster in 1798 and continued in 
that office for thirty-seven years. 



I20 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

Calvin Pease 
Calvin Pease was born at Suffield and studied law with Gideon 
Granger. In 1800 he went to Ohio and was a member of the Leg- 
islature and was active in the formation of the State Govern- 
ment. From 1803 to 18 10 he was judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas and from 1 8 16 chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court. 
He died at Warren, Ohio, in 1839. Seth Pease his brother, born 
in 1764, graduated from Yale, was educated for a physician, but 
he was appointed First Assistant Postmaster General in 18 16, 
and was the first to hold that federal office. 

Ministers and Laymen 
Several ecclesiastical figures stand out conspicuously in the 
history of Suffield as men of strong natures, high intellectual 
qualities and efi'ective leadership. The first was Dr. Ebenezer 
Gay, who became pastor of the First Congregational church in 
1 74 1. He was widely known and was reckoned as one of the able 
and learned divines of his day. In the latter part of his life he 
suffered much from bodily infirmities which often confined him 
for weeks together, but his people provided him an assistant in 
his son, who at his death succeeded him. This son, Ebenezer 
Gay Jr., was also an able man and fitted several of the young 
men of later prominence for Yale college. 

Asahel Morse 
One of the strong ecclesiastical characters in Suffield a century 
ago was Rev. Asahel Morse, who succeeded Rev. John Hastings 
as pastor of the First Baptist church. He took much interest in 
political movements and in 1818 was a member of the conven- 
tion that framed the Constitution of Connecticut and drafted 
the article relating to religious liberty. Rev. Calvin Philleo 
partly a contemporary in the Second Baptist church, once re- 
corded this story regarding "Elder" Morse: He had been down 
to Hartford in the course of the week to attend a religious meet- 
ing and returning early Sunday morning to West Suffield to 
preach, as usual, passing through Windsor, he was accosted and 
asked where he was traveling on the holy Sabbath. He replied 
that he was going to West Suffield. He was told to dismount from 
his horse and stay in their house till Monday morning, and then 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 121 



he might go on his way. He pleaded with them to let him pass 
on; he would disturb no one. He then bid them good morning, 
put whip to his horse and was on his way to West Sufheld. The 
Standing Order mounted their horses and pursued, determined 
to bring him back to Windsor, to be tried for breaking the holy 
Sabbath. The elder led them on, keeping a little ahead of them, 
till they all arrived in front of the Meeting House on Zion's 
Hill, where a multitude of people were gathered. The Elder 
dismounted and turned and addressed his pursuers and perse- 
cutors: "Gentlemen, here is where I preach, and if you will go 
into the meeting and hear me preach, you may then go home to 
Windsor; otherwise I will complain of you for breaking the holy 
Sabbath as you call it." The men complied with the terms 
proposed. 

Calvin Philleo 
Elder Philleo was himself a notable ecclesiastical figure in his 
time which was distinctly one of the revival seasons that for a 
half century periodically swept over much of New England. 
Elder Philleo, says a historian of the Second Baptist church, was 
emphatically a revival preacher, eccentric, impulsive and en- 
thusiastic. He went everywhere that opportunity offered, 
preaching the word, the church granting him the liberty. He 
was possessed of a vivid imagination and remarkable descriptive 
powers which he used to great advantage. 

Dzvight Ives 
Under his preaching on a Fast Day, Dwight Ives, a gay thought- 
less young man, seventeen years of age was convicted of sin, and 
in great distress of mind for two weeks until he found forgive- 
ness in Christ and said, "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" 
What he did is a part of the later history of Suffield. He was 
pastor of the Second Baptist church for nearly thirty-five years. 
and one of the ablest men Suffield has produced. He left a strong 
impression on the life of the town. His long pastorate was coin- 
cident with the religious, educational and material growth of 
the community. He was an earnest preacher, a wise executive 
and a leader of his people, firm yet beloved. 



122 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

The religious revival in the early twenties of the last century 
is recorded as one of the most powerful ever experienced. Strong 
men were seen by the wayside imploring God's forgiveness. 
Some shut themselves up in barns beseeching the Lord to have 
mercy on them. Others ran to their neighbors and friends, beg- 
ging prayers in their behalf. 

J polios Phelps 

One of those who left his work and went with Elder Philleo on 
a revival mission whenever and wherever it was deemed ex- 
pedient was Captain Apollos Phelps, who held the enviable 
title of being the Samson of Connecticut. He was born in 1784 
and for a long time, including the period of the Bi-Centennial 
Celebration, was the oldest man in town. In his younger days 
he was six feet tall and possessed of a remarkable frame and 
muscular power. Many stories are told of his marvelous feats 
of lifting. Once he is said to have lifted a millstone in Windsor 
weighing over 1700 pounds. Another authenticated story is that 
one day in the late Autumn of the year, when the Captain was 
busy about his cider mill, a big, burly man drove up and inquired 
where was the noted wrestler he had heard so much about. The 
stranger said that he was from Hartford and claimed the cham- 
pionship of the State and challenged the Captain to a bout. He 
was told that he would be accomodated but was invited to have 
a drink of cider first, to which the stranger acceded. The Captain 
stepped up to a barrel, which was full of the delicious liquid for 
which the over-the-mountain orchards are famous, lifted it on 
to his knees and proceeded to drink at leisure out of the bung 
hole. When about to pass it along to the stranger, the Captain 
was surprised to see him clambering into his wagon and driving 
away, saying as he did so he guessed he was mistaken in his man. 

During a certain winter he was engaged in sledding wood from 
his wood lot on the mountain to Suffield, and on going down a 
very steep place the bow-pin, that held the ox-bow to the yoke, 
broke and released the nigh ox. The Captain, driving, grabbed 
the end of the yoke and with the off ox as mate held the sled and 
its two cords of wood down the bad incline safely to a level place 
below, where he repaired the bow-pin, returned the released ox 
to the neap and proceeded to town with his load. 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 123 



Sylvester Graham 

A Suffield name that has endured to the present generation is 
that of Dr. Sylvester Graham of "graham" bread and cracker 
fame. He was born in Suffield in 1794, the youngest of seventeen 
children of Rev. John Graham, pastor of the West Suffield 
Congregational church. Besides being a preacher and orator he 
was a strong advocate of the vegetarian theory, now called the 
"Graham system, "and believed that the only prevention and 
cure of disease lay in correct habits of living. He was editor of 
the Graham Magazine in Boston and an essay on bread and 
bread-making made the Boston bakers so angry that he was 
mobbed. 

Timothy Swan 

Timothy Swan, who has been called the Hatter-Composer 
was born in Worcester and came to Suffield about 1780. He 
wrote "China," "Poland," and "The Shepherd's Complaint." 
He was looked upon by his neighbors as somewhat eccentric, 
particularly because of his habit of never removing his hat unless 
absolutely necessary, when he always put on a red or black 
velvet cap. He would arrange his tunes in his mind while work- 
ing and set them down at night. He married a daughter of 
Dr. Ebenezer Gay. The original manuscript of "Poland" is in 
the Kent Memorial Library. 

Great River and Stony Brook 

Saw mills were the first industries in the town as they were 
essential to the settlement. In 1672 Major Pynchon built a 
saw mill on Stony Brook near the location of the Boston Neck 
school house. The materials were brought down the river in 
boats of one or two tons burden of which he had many. This 
mill was burned in 1675 t>y the Indians but was rebuilt after 
the war. The first corn mill was attached to this saw mill in 
1677, but the corn mill did not prove adequate, so he built 
another, supposed to be at or near the present mill dam at 
Brookside. This mill formed a part of his estate in 1704, and by 
his heirs was sold in 1713 to James Lawton. Other saw mills 
were later built on both Stony and Muddy brooks. 

In 1700 the town voted approval of a plan to set up iron works. 



124 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

The men interested in the enterprise were Major Pynchon, 
Joseph Parsons of Northampton and John Eliot of Windsor. 
They were set up before 1704 for they constituted a part of the 
Pynchon estate and were located on practically the same site as 
the first saw mill. Ore was obtained from SufReld and adjacent 
towns, and shovels and other tools were made, but the mill and 
dam were both swept away in what was called the Jefferson 
flood of 1 801. They were apparently doing service for nearly a 
century and were so successful that two other iron works were 
established — the middle works at the upper end of South street 
and the west works at Stony Brook Falls near the Simsbury or 
now East Granby Line. 

The Oil Mill was probably built about 1785 near the Oil 
Mill bridge. The oil was made from flax seed produced by the 
farmers in Sufheld and neighboring towns and about 2000 
bushels a year were used. The product was shipped mainly to 
Springfield and Hartford. Nearly every farmer raised more or 
less flax which the housewives spun in the winter. The mill was 
burned in 1836 and never rebuilt. 

About the beginning of the last century there were at least 
four cotton mills in town, making yarn for knitting and for the 
weaving of cotton cloth. One mill was owned by Luther Loomis 
at the lower end of High or Main street. There was another at 
the Brookside dam, and probably in the old brick house located 
there. All these mills were located on Stony Brook. As early as 
1710 a fulling mill stood at the south end of High street and is 
said to have been in operation for more than a century. In com- 
mon with other towns in colonial days nearly every farmhouse 
had its looms for the weaving of wool into clothing and carpets. 

In the years before the railroads, Suffield carried on quite 
a shipbuilding industry along the river and many vessels were 
launched there. Many of the townspeople at one time put their 
money into the indigo trade and went on long journeys in the 
enterprise. 

It is a tradition that the first steamboat run on the river was 
in 1826. Some time later there were two boats, the Agawam 
and the Massachusetts; the former could get through the canal 
but the latter had to go over the rapids. Later the Springfield 
was put on in competition with these boats. 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 125 

The Old Ferry 
In October 1678 Major Pynchon and his associates made 
grants of land to John Penguilly and to Edward Allyn and his 
three sons, about 240 acres in all, along the river road above and 
below where the Thompsonville bridge now stands. They came 
from Ipswich, Mass. Thirteen years later there is the following 
entry in the Hampshire County Court record: 

"1691: Upon some motion that there may be a ferry started 
over ye Great River at the House of John Alline of Suffield: 
This Corte doth approve & appointe Jno Alline of Suffield for ye 
affaire & he to require & be contente with 4d ye horse & 2d ye 
man." 

This was the first ferry at Suffield and some distance north 
from the later ferry. It appears that, at a later period, John 
Allyn sold his farm and probably the ferry rights to John Trum- 
bull. Two Trumbulls had come to Suffield and settled on 
Feather Street, the brothers Joseph and Judah, and each had a 
son John — John the first, as he is called in the Suffield records? 
son of Joseph born in 1670; and John, the second, son of Judah 
born 1675. The late J. Hammond Trumbull of Hartford once 
wrote: "I never look into the Suffield records without being 
thankful that their Uncle John of Rowley died before he could 
bring his family to the new plantation. If he had come and 
brought another little John with him, to be mixed up with the 
cousins in the town records, the geneological puzzle would have 
been hopelessly complicated." As it is the two Johns have given 
the geneologists much trouble. In any case Joseph Trumbull of 
Feather street was the ancestor of the famous Trumbulls of 
history. Joseph had four sons whose lines of descent may be 
charted as follows: 

John the first, and the ferry owner, was the great grandfather 
of John Trumbull LL.D. of Hartford, judge of the Superior 
Court 1 801-19, treasurer of Yale college for many years, and 
better known as the author of "McFingal the Modern Epic," 
which became the most popular American poem and went 
through twenty editions before 1820, Joseph settled in Lebanon 
and was the father of Jonathan Trumbull the Revolutionary 
Governor of Connecticut, whose eldest son was a Revolutionary 



126 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

general; another son, Jonathan, was the Governor of Connecticut 
1798-1809; the third son, John, was the famous artist and friend 
of Washington; the fourth son, David, was thefather of Governor 
Joseph Trumbull 1849-50. Benoni went to Hebron and was the 
ancestor of Dr. Benjamin Trumbull the historian. 

John, the first, like John the second, son of Judah of SufReld, 
had a son Joseph, the Joseph who later owned the Ferry, either 
by himself or with John Penguilly. It seems to have been first 
known as Trumbull's, later as "Gillies", still later as Trumbull's, 
and still later as "Lovejoy's." 

Within the memory of those still living a steam ferry was in- 
augurated about 1858 by James Saunders who three or four 
years later sold it to Duane Kendall. After running it about 
two years he sold to Alanson Burbank, but the boat had gotten 
into bad condition and Mr. Burbank put on the old wire ferry 
and started to construct a new steamboat. About 1866 he sold 
to Watson W. Pease who, securing some help from the town, 
finished the construction of the new boat, and named her "Cora." 
In 1869 he sold to Loren J. Hastings who operated the ferry till 
1 87 1 when Mr. Pease and Mr. S. A. Griswold, together bought 
the property each with a half interest, and ran the "Cora" un- 
til the new bridge company was formed in 1891 and bought 
the rights. 

Mr. Pease and Mr. Griswold, however, bought the Cora back 
with the privilege of running her until the bridge was completed 
which was in 1892. Meantime the boat had been thoroughly 
rebuilt and in the summer following the opening of the bridge to 
traffic Mr. Griswold ran her for parties on the river. She was 
then laid up until the temporary bridge at Hartford was taken 
away by the ice. Mr. Griswold then took the boat to Hartford 
and ran her as a ferry from the fall of 1905 till June 1906. During 
that winter Mr. Griswold bought the Pease interest and later 
sold the boat to Samuel A. Miner who afterwards sold her to a 
party in Westerly R. I. Shortly afterwards she became unsea- 
worthy and was broken up. In a few years after construction 
the bridge was taken over from the company and made free. 

Fisheries 
From an early date fisheries along the river acquired the rank 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 127 

of an extensive business. A dam was early built and jointly 
owned by people mainly living in Feather Street. At a town 
meeting in December 1730 Jacob Hatheway, Samuel Copley, 
Richard Woolworth, William Halladay, Nathaniel Hall, Samuel 
Roe and Samuel Hatheway were petitioners for certain privi- 
leges which the town granted, on condition that the owners of 
the fish dam sell salmon at five pence per pound and shad at a 
penny apiece and "that they will not barrill any for a market 
when any of ye Town appear with any vendable pay to take 
same off for their own use, and that the owners put one hundred 
pounds security into the Town Treasurer's hands for the Town's 
security." Some of the owners objected to the conditions but 
they were accepted, and the bond was deposited. Apparently the 
arrangement was intended to secure to the people of the town 
fish at a certain price not subject to the market for barreled 
fish. Seven years later the town granted to another company of 
men liberty to erect a small dam about two feet high and three 
or four rods into the river "above all the common and standing 
fishing places on the Upper Falls in said Suffield." 

For nearly 150 years extensive shad fisheries were maintained 
on the river and the Douglass fisheries located a little south of 
the Ferry are easily within the memory of many now living. 
About thirty years ago, owing to changes in the dam and a 
diminution of the shad in the river, the fisheries became un- 
profitable and were given up. 

The Islayid 

The Great Island of about one hundred acres in the Connec- 
ticut River rapids has had a historic existence but with little 
change except in ownership. Rev. Ephraim Huit of Windsor 
petitioned the Connecticut General Court for it in 1641, and it 
was granted to him. At his death in 1644 he gave it back to the 
court for the use of the country. About thirty years afterward 
another Windsor man named John Lewis bought it of the In- 
dians who claimed it but this title proved invalid, and in 168 1 
the Massachusetts General Court gave it to Major Pynchon in 
consideration of his work in running the boundary lines. His 
petition showed that he took this action to meet the boundary 
claims of the Windsor people. When he died in 1703, the island 



128 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

was appraised as a part of his estate at ten pounds, and in 1717 
his heirs conveyed it to John and Ebenezer Devotion and Joshua 
Leavitt. In 1754 General Phinehas Lyman bought the whole 
island, and when in 1774 he disposed of his property to go to 
Mississippi, it was sold to Roger Enos of Windsor. It was then 
called Lyman's island. After some changes in ownership, part 
of it was bought by John Ely who built a dam across the west 
branch of the river, and a saw mill on the west bank in 1687. 
This was swept away in 1810 and never rebuilt. In the last 
century the island changed hands in various ways. In 1864 it 
was purchased by D. C. Terry and Milton D. Ives and Mr. Terry 
lived there for many years. It is now generally called King's 
island. In 1873 hundreds of adventists gathered on the island 
awaiting the end of the world; remained there for some weeks, 
and then dispersed. 

Enfield Bridge 

In 1798 the General Assembly granted to John Reynolds the 
exclusive right to build a bridge across the river at any point 
from the north boundary of Windsor to the State line. The 
company formed located the bridge between Sufheld and En- 
field and completed it about 1810. Tradition says that some 
of the money was raised by lottery. Built of green timber, the 
bridge soon decayed and fell into the river of its own weight. 

In 1826 another bridge was constructed on the same site by 
William Dixon of Enfield, to whose son, United States Senator 
James Dixon, a large share of the property passed. 

When the railroad was built from Hartford to Springfield the 
right to put a bridge across the river at Warehouse Point was 
hotly contested by the Dixons, and the courts finally declared 
that their charter held and the railroad company paid to them 
$10,000 for the privilege of erecting the bridge at that point. 
When the Thompsonville bridge was built the right was bought 
of the charter owners for $1,200 and when the Warehouse Point 
bridge was built $3,000 was paid for the right. Senator Dixon 
who had become the sole owner of the bridge, before his death 
in 1873 transferred it to Mrs. Eliza Marsh of Enfield. It was 
handed down to her children and was owned by William D. 
Marsh of Chicago when three spans, exactly one-half of the 




ENFIELD BRIDGE, Built 1826 and Swept Away 1900 



,r^ "Cora." 




FERRY BOAT "CORA," Discontinued 1892 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I29 

Structure went down the river in a freshet February 15, 1900. 
The bridge had been considered unsafe and had been closed four 
years before it feU. 

Hosea Keach, station agent at the Enfield railroad station 
near the structure was on the bridge when it fell and was carried 
down the river three miles to the railroad bridge, where a rope 
was thrown to him and he was pulled up to safety. 

A few years later the site of the bridge was purchased by the 
Southern New England Telephone Company and the remaining 
part of the bridge was blown up with dynamite. The old piers 
were used for towers to string telephone cables across the river 
and the company established a central office at the old toll 
house. 

Slaves 

Old records prove that African slavery existed in Suffield as 
in other New England towns for nearly a century. Slaves were 
admitted to church membership, permitted to marry and were 
increasing in numbers when the state emancipation act of 1784 
was passed. With the boon of freedom, their social status 
lowered, and they soon dwindled away and practically dis- 
appeared. For many years before Lincoln's proclamation a 
negro was seldom seen in Suffield. 

The earliest record of a negro slave in the Connecticut valley 
is found in Major Pynchon's account book October 167 1, re- 
cording his purchase of John Crow of Hadley for six pounds. 
The Hampshire county records show the marriage of his 
"negroes, Roco and Sue." Slaves were not numerous in Suffield 
as only people of means could afford them. Here as elsewhere 
they were most frequently found in the families of the ministers, 
the magistrates and the tavern keepers. They were seldom sold 
and usually passed to some member of the family as a part of 
the estate. In 1726 the town voted twenty pounds to the min- 
ister, Mr. Devotion, towards the purchase of slaves. 

In 1756 Suffield had twenty-four slaves; in 1774 thirty-seven; 
in 1782 fifty-three; in 1790 twenty-eight and in 1800 four. The 
manumission of three slaves in 18 12 by the heirs of Dr. Ebenezer 
Gay terminates the African slave record in Suffield. Mr. Gay, 
like his predecessor Mr. Devotion, held slaves, and slaves were 



130 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



born to his estate. Male slaves between sixteen and sixty were 
listed at eighteen pounds. Among Mr. Sheldon's unpublished 
historical notes is an interesting record of all mention found 
of slaves in Suffield from 1725 on. They show that among 
owners, besides the ministers, were Jared Huxley, Ensign Samuel 
Kent, Joshua Leavitt, Lieut. Jonathan Sheldon, Seth Austin, 
Benjamin Scot, Joseph Pease, Apollos Hitchcock, Simon Kendall, 
General Phinehas Lyman and Captain Isaac Pomeroy. 

By an act of 1784 masters or owners of slaves desiring to be 
acquitted of their future maintenance or support could manu- 
mit them, provided the slave was willing and a certificate pro- 
cured from the civic authority that he or she was sound in 
health and not more than forty-five nor less then twenty-five 
years of age. 

Among the records of such manumission was one of a negro 
named "Stephen Pero," discharged in 1787 from the estate of 
Jacob Hatheway by his executor Elijah Kent. The West 
Suflield Church records show that Stephen Pero and his wife 
were admitted to the church September 7, 1800. Pero was long 
remembered and was said to be a general favorite with all, but 
he sometimes "took a drop too much", and was always ready to 
make confession without a summons from the church committee. 
The first knowledge of a lapse was usually imparted to the 
brethren by Pero himself, inviting them all to be present next 
Sabbath and hear "the grandest confession ever made". He 
died in West Suflield about the year 1820. His widow Nancy 
Pero died at the poor house in 1840. 

In 1812 Rev. Ebenezer Gay and William Gay applied for 
permission to discharge three slaves, Genny, Dinah and Titus, 
inherited from their father, and it was granted. It appears from 
the family record that Dr. Ebenezer Gay early had a slave 
named Prince, and a little later bought at an auction at Middle- 
town a slave woman named Rose who was a native born African, 
and claimed to be a princess in her country, her evidence being 
the elaborate tattoo on her back. Rose had three children born 
in Suffield, Genny, Dinah and Titus. After manumission Genny 
and Dinah became paid servants in different families. 

Titus, or "Old Ti" as he was later well known throughout the 
town, was lordly and dignified in mien, fond of exercising au- 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I3I 

thority, and black as a coal. The many offices he performed led 
him to believe that he was next to Mr. Gay in authority and he 
deported himself accordingly. He was the sexton, the grave 
digger, the bell ringer and looked after the town clock in the 
belfry. His supervision of the boys on the Sabbath from his 
high pew in the gallery had a vigilance and thoroughness that 
left the town tithingmen without occupation. 

For about forty years he performed these various duties in 
and around the old Meeting House which was torn down in 
1835. With the passing of this Meeting House "Ti's" life work 
seems to have closed, for he died in 1837 and was buried in the 
church yard where he had raised scores of mounds; but not even 
a mound marks the place of his burial. Whether it was a mere 
witticism or a fact, it used to be stated that the people so ar- 
ranged the burial of their dead that on the morning of resurrec- 
tion, when the dead should rise and face eastward, the colored 
people would stand in the rear. 

"A remote pew in the Meeting House" says one of Mr. Shel- 
don's notes, "and a remote corner in the church yard were the 
common heritage of the negro. Scores of them were buried at 
the northwest corner of the ancient ground with only rank 
weeds and briars to protect the mounds above them. The 
march of improvements came in 1850 and the allotted corner 
was wanted. New earth now covers the bones of the black man 
and the dust of a generation of whites reposes above them. 'No 
storied urn or animated bust' indicates that ever an African 
slave had rested 'his head upon the lap of earth' in the first 
church yard of Suffield." 

The Old Clock 

Of the history of the old clock mentioned as being in the spec- 
ial care of Old Ti little is known. Upon the east side of the tower 
of the third church of the First Congregational Society was a 
dial, and the clock was placed within at some period. It did 
duty till 1835 when that Meeting House was torn down to make 
room for the fourth which is now the freight station. Mr. 
Sheldon says that he regrets that he assisted in the vandal work 
of pulling down this tower, and its spire which was the most 
sightly and graceful architectural work the town had seen. The 



132 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

clock leaves no clue or record of its origin, its cost or the maker. 
We only know that it was doing duty one hundred years ago. 

The present clock in the belfry of the First Congregational 
church was a gift from the late Mrs. Cornelia Pomeroy Newton 
about twenty years ago. 

Burial Grounds 

The precise time when the original Suffield " Burying Ground " 
was used for burials is unknown but undoubtedly it was between 
the years 1677 and 1683 . In making a grant to Robert Old, Octo- 
ber 30, 1677 of a lot twelve rods broad on the north side of "ye 
Highway that goes over Muddy Brooke," the committee re- 
served three lots to the north of Old, "to be granted to some 
useful persons;" but in March 1683 the town granted to Robert 
Old "a parcel of land lying below ye Burying Place," indicating 
that it had been established as such. The next year a committee 
was appointed to fence in the burying place and to "settle ye 
bounds." This was done and the record reads: "Layed out by 
ye order of Town on ye Meeting House Hill a burying place 
containing one acre and a half, the bounds whereof are as follows, 
viz: South and west bounded by Robert Old's land; north by 
Serg. Thomas Huxley, his son's lot; ye east or front upon ye 
Common land. It is twenty rod in length and twelve rod in 
breadth and bounded at each corner by stake and stone." The 
first Meeting House then stood on the Common where the boul- 
der now is. The next year, 1685, Serg. Thomas Huxley was 
appointed grave digger, receiving four shillings for graves of per- 
sons sixteen years old and upward and two shillings and six 
pence for children. He was also constable and innkeeper. He 
died in 1721 ; his son William was grave digger in 1717. 

For a long period the care of the burying ground was evidently 
a difficult subject for the town. In 1698 it was voted "to let the 
burying ground to Goodman Old, his heirs and successors for his 
or their sole use and benefit, for the pasturing and feeding of 
cattel, for the term of twenty years; upon the conditions follow- 
ing, viz: that said Old, his heirs and successors after him, and at 
all times duering said term, securing said burying place with a 
sufficient fence from damage done by hoggs and other creatures. 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I33 

The Town engaging to cut down the Bushes in said burying 
place; said Old alike engage to keep them down as well as he 
can." This lease expired in 1718, and at a special town meeting 
that year it was voted that the town bear the charge of clearing 
the burying place and fencing it "so far as in their part and 
proper for them to do." Two years later the town granted John 
Huxley "the use of the burying place for twenty year, provided 
he clear it and leave it fencet when the time is up." But in town 
meeting in November 1735, or five years before this lease 
could have expired, it was voted "that the selectmen Do some- 
thing as they shall think best about fencing, clearing and laying 
out ye Burying Yeard." This was more than sixty years after 
the settlement of the town. 

When the West Society was set off in 1740, the old burying 
ground fell to the charge of the First Society and gradually im- 
provements were made. From time to time after 1830 about 
three acres were laid out on the south, bringing it down to the 
highway and in 1850 the grounds were enlarged westerly by the 
purchase of one hundred and forty -six rods of land. The retain- 
ing wall on the south and the vault, the latter built in 1887 at a 
cost of ^2386.71, and the arch, the gift of Mrs. Cornelia Pomeroy 
Newton, were among the later improvements. 

The records of the West Society show that on December 15, 
1 749, it was voted to purchase a place for a burying ground, and in 
February of the next year Samuel Harmon, Jonathan Sheldon 
and Philip Nelson were chosen a committee to purchase the land. 
They bought and fenced in one square acre on Ireland plain. 
In 1844, the cemetery having meantime passed to the control 
of the school society, a half acre was added on the east side, and 
in 1850 one-fourth of an acre adjoining on the east was purchased 
and laid out in twenty private lots, the owners being chiefly 
members of the Congregational Society. In 1867 the school 
society added an acre in a narrow strip on the north side and the 
whole, about two and three quarters acres, was enclosed by a 
substantial fence. 

The land of the burying ground in the rear of the First Bap- 
tist church on Zion's or Hastings' Hill was owned by Joseph 
Hastings when in 1769 he established and became the first pastor 
of the church. In the same year he gave a plot of it for a burial 



134 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

place for himself and his flock. Here he and his son John, who 
followed him in the ministry, and Rev. Asahel Morse, the third 
pastor, were buried. As more space became necessary, additions 
were made from time to time. In 1905 the management was in- 
corporated in the Zion's Hill Cemetery Association. The ceme- 
tery contains the graves of many descendants of old Suffield 
families and graves of soldiers of the wars of the Revolution and 
1 812, and of the Civil and World wars. . 

The Suffield mountain and the land lying west of it consti- 
tuted common land until divided among the proprietors in suc- 
cessive tiers of allotments, the last being made in 1759 when the 
valley of about seven hundred acres lying west of the foot of the 
mountain was divided into one hundred and twelve lots, repre- 
senting the number of the proprietors, in the proportion of six 
acres to every original fifty acre grant. At the same time the 
north half of Manituck mountain was granted to Captain 
Abraham Burbank and the south half to Samuel Kent to pay 
claims of eight pounds eight shillings of each, probably for 
services. 

To the south of this "over-the-mountain" valley was Copper 
Hill with its mine, afterwards Newgate prison; to the west Mani- 
tuck mountain and to the north Lake Congamond, both Indian 
named and both, as relics show, favorite localities of the tribes. 
Just when the lands so divided began to be taken up by settlers 
is not known, but probably in the period between the French 
and Indian Wars and the Revolution. Certain it is that in 1788 
there came into use a little plot of land in the center of the valley 
for a burial ground. Probably it was so used for a time pre- 
viously, for there are graves bearing no markers and others hav- 
ing markers beneath or on a level with the sod. There is a marker 
bearing the initials "M. C. 1788" which the late Capt. ApoUos 
Phelps, getting his information from the fathers of his boyhood, 
used to say stood for Moses Cadwell. Tradition has it that about 
1790 Elijah Phelps gave this plot of land of about one acre to the 
people of the valley as a common burial ground. In the records 
is a subscription paper of 1793 for the maintenance of the lot. 
There have been some changes in the boundaries but the area 
remains about the same. The cemetery is now in control of 
The Burial Ground Association of the West Side of the Moun- 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I35 



tain and Judah Phelps is the sexton and caretaker. It has a fund 
of $300, the income of which is for the care of the grounds. 

Each ecclesiastical society controlled its burying ground until 
about the year 182 1 when a state statute gave school societies 
limited powers relating to burying grounds and, whether fully 
authorized or not, the school societies appear to have taken com- 
plete control of the old burying grounds in 1844. This method 
has remained, the cemetery associations being really functions 
of the school societies. Under an act of the Legislature author- 
izing towns to hold trust funds for the care of family lots, the 
trust was accepted by the town in 1895, ^^^ the aggregate funds 
so contributed by different people now amounts to over $7,000, 

Action for the establishment of a new cemetery at the Center 
was taken in 1871, and in April of that year twenty acres were 
purchased from Thomas Archer & Sons at a cost of $4,263.75. 
The committee consisted of Henry Fuller, Dr. M. T. Newton, 
Albert Austin, Byron Loomis, William L. Loomis, J. M. Hathe- 
way, George A. Douglass, R. T. Mather, and William H. Fuller. 
The ground was laid out and fenced and in August 1872 it was 
dedicated as Woodlawn cemetery. In 1920 eight more acres 
were added by purchase from John Merrill. In the fifty years 
many handsome monuments have been erected. The beauti- 
ful gateway was the gift of Charles L. Spencer in memory of his 
daughter Julia Spencer Goldthwaite. 



CHURCH, SCHOOL AND LIBRARY 

To the first settlers of Suffield, as of other early towns in the 
New England colonies, civil and ecclesiastical affairs were, 
practically coterminous. The body of voters within the town- 
ship settled civil and ecclesiastical affairs in the same town 
meeting. The church really began with the settlement. The act 
of incorporation of Suffiel'd required that the settlers "take care 
for the procuring and maintayning some able minister there." 
At the first meeting of the committee appointed by the General 
Court at Boston to lay out the plantation, it was ordered that 
" a Convenient allotment of 60 or 80 acres near the Centre of the 
Town be Reserved for the property of the first Minister;" and 
that "a convenient allotment of 80 acres be set apart for the 
ministry and to continue and be improved for that use forever 
& not Granted away or sold or any way alienated therefrom." 
It was further stated that the true intent of the order and grant 
was to continue it for the maintenance of such minister as from 
time to time should "preach the Word of God to the inhabi- 
tants." 

First Congregational Church 

Not until the return of the settlers after King Philip's war and 
the later acquisition of several new inhabitants from other 
towns could provision be made for either church or minister, 
but at a meeting in Suffield in 1679 Major Pynchon, George 
Colton and Rowland Thomas, of the committee in whose hands 
the plantation was still lodged, granted eighty acres "for In- 
couragement of Mr. John Younglove to come to Suffield, who 
hath beene sought to which respect to being their Minister & to 
Preach ye word of God to ye People there." The degree of en- 
couragement may be measured from the fact that the committee 
was selling home lots at about six cents an acre. At this time 
Mr. Younglove was a teacher in Hadley. He had probably come 
to Suffield to preach on Sundays for a period before the grant. 
The first Meeting House was probably built in 1680 but no 
mention is made of the building until five years later. It was of 
the type common to all the Meeting Houses of the period — a 



138 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

square wooden building usually unpainted, crowned with a 
truncated pyramidal roof. 

For some reason the services of Mr. Younglove became un- 
satisfactory in 1690 when the town petitioned the county court 
at Northampton against his preaching longer, and, pending 
action, he died. After five years of unsuccessful efforts to obtain 
another minister, in 1695 Benjamin Ruggles, who had been 
graduated from Harvard two years before, became pastor, A 
new Meeting House and the first school house were built in 1700 
or shortly after his settlement. There is little record of his min- 
istry except as it appears in the town records but he was an ac- 
tive leader in the town. He died in 1708 at the age of thirty- 
two. 

The third minister, Ebenezer Devotion, was obtained in 1709. 
He came from Roxbury, where his parents lived, and had been 
graduated from Harvard two years before. He was ordained in 
June 1710, and in the fall of that year went to Boston to be 
married. The town voted "to allow John Rising 3 shilling per 
day for himself and his horse for ye nine dales he was out, when 
he went to ye Bay with Mr. Devotion, the when he went to be 
married." The pastorate was a successful one of more than 
thirty years and was terminated by his death in 1741. 

Extensive revivals prevailed throughout New England in the 
latter part of Mr. Devotion's ministry, and 327 names were 
added to the church roll. This revival had notable effects, one 
of which was the division cf the church, and the formation of 
the West Congregational Society and another was the accel- 
erated development of the Separatist movement and the es- 
tablishment of other denominations. 

The fourth minister, Ebenezer Gay, a graduate of Harvard 
in 1737, preached his first sermon in Suffield August 9, 1741 and 
was acting pastor for more than fifty years. He came, at the 
time of the division of the church; the West Suffield church had 
been incorporated but not yet organized. The project of build- 
ing a new and larger church was given up for the time, though 
from the town records it appears that some of the timber had 
been already provided, and the town expressly voted that the 
West Society should not share in its ownership. In the report 
of the "One hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Decease 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 139 

of Benjamin Ruggles" it is stated that "the Meeting House 
survived some alterations and resolutions to build a successor, 
until 25th April, 1749, when it was laid prostrate." The sills for 
a new Meeting House were laid May 8, 1749 and the steeple 
raised on August 22 following. The edifice was forty feet wide 
and fifty-seven long and stood north to south parallel with the 
burying ground. The steeple stood at the north end. 

Ebenezer Gay, Jr., became his father's assistant and succeeded 
him, being ordained March 6, 1793. His active pastorate con- 
tinued until 1826, and he remained senior pastor until his death 
in 1837; father and son together, therefore, lacked but four years 
of serving the church a full century. Ebenezer Gay, Jr., kept a 
school in the Gay Manse in the chamber over the kitchen and 
in the small chamber adjoining was kept the town library. 

Joel Mann was installed as active pastor of the church in 1826 
but was dismissed in 1829, and was succeeded by Henry Robin- 
son whose pastorate ended the year in which Ebenezer Gay Jr. 
died. The fourth church edifice, the one for the past fifty years 
serving as the freight house at the railroad station, was built 
in 1835. Asahel C. Washburn was installed in 1838 and was 
followed by John R. Miller in 1853. 

Walter Barton became pastor in 1869 and the present church 
edifice was dedicated just previous to the Bi-Centennial cele- 
bration at which Mr. Barton delivered the address of welcome. 
He closed his pastorate in 1875 ^^'^ his successors in the past 
fifty years have been: William R. Eastman, Charles Symington, 
Hiram L, Kelsey, Archibald McCord, David W. Goodale, Dan- 
iel R. Kennedy Jr., and Victor L. Greenwood. 

West Suffield Congregational Church 
From the settlement of the town until the beginning of the 
ministry of the first Ebenezer Gay, about seventy years, there 
was no other church society. During the last years of the success- 
ful ministry of Mr. Devotion, however, agitation for a division of 
the church society and the formation of the West Congrega- 
tional society began. It appears to have had a combination of 
causes. Extensive revivals occurred throughout New England 
and many new members had been added to the Suffield church. 
The second Meeting House had been built in 1701 and accord- 



14^ SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

ing to the record of the town vote was forty feet square, but it 
may be presumed that pew room had become a problem, if not 
a cause of dissatisfaction. The seating of the people in the old 
New England Meeting House was always a delicate and diffi- 
cult matter. ''Our Puritan forefathers," says Mrs. Alice Morse 
Earle, ''though bitterly denouncing all forms and ceremonies, 
were great respecters of persons and in nothing was the regard 
for wealth and position more fully shown than in designating the 
seat in which each person should sit during public worship.'' 
Whittier wrote of this custom: 

''In the goodly house of worship, where in order 

due and lit. 
As by public vote directed, classed and ranked 

the people sit; 
Mistress first and goodwife after, clerkly squire 

before the clown, 
From the brave coat, lace embroidered, to the 

gray frock shading down." 

In the records of the town meetings are many indications 
that the seating was causing trouble. When the question of 
division was first brought up in town meeting in August 1735 
it failed to pass and at a meeting three years later a majority, 
strongly against the division, voted to build a new Meeting 
House sixty feet in length and forty feet in breadth, the stated 
purpose being to accommodate the larger number and avoid a 
division. 

Meantime certain people in the west part of the town peti- 
tioned the General Court at Boston to be set off as a separate 
society and the town appointed Joseph King as an agent to go to 
Boston and oppose it on the ground that the " low circumstances 
of the inhabitants of Suffield rendered them incapable to main- 
tain two ministers and two Meeting Houses." The dispute was 
later referred to a committee consisting of John Stoddard of 
Northampton, William Pitkin of Hartford and William Pyn- 
chon. Jr. of Springfield. They met in Suffield and decided that 
the West society should be set off and the General Court incor- 
porated it January I. 1740. At this time the town had about 
two hundred families. The West Suffield church was organized 



-LFFIELD OLD AND NEW I4I 

November lo, 1743. Int nrsi ^weeiiug House was erected the 
next year; the second in 1795 where the present edifice now 
stands; the present building was dedicated in 1840 — the same 
year as the present Second Baptist church. It was a period of 
church building in Suffield, the First Congregational society 
having built five years before, 1835; ^^e present First Baptist 
church was built six years later, 1846. 

The first minister at West Suffield, John Graham, served from 
1746 to 1796 and he was succeeded by one of the noted ecclesias- 
tical figures of the period, Daniel Waldo, a contemporary in 
Suffield of Ebenezer Gay, Jr. He was born in Windham and was 
a soldier in the Revolutionary War; taken prisoner and confined 
in the sugar house New York where he was treated with great 
cruelty. He graduated from Yale in 1788 and became pastor in 
West Suffield in 1792, serving eighteen years. For a period after- 
wards he was a missionary in Pennsylvania and New York State 
and later was settled in other churches in New England. In 1855 
at the age of ninety-three he was chaplain of the United States 
House of Representatives; He died in 1864, lacking a few weeks 
of being one hundred and two years of age. He revisited Suffield 
occasionally in his long career and preached his last sermon 
shortly before his death. 

His successors in the early period were Joseph Mix, 1814-29; 
John A. Hemstead, 1832-33; Erastus Clapp, 1833-39; Benjamin 
I. Lane, 1839-41; Joseph W. Sessions, 1843-52; Henr>^ J. Lamb, 
1853-57; Henry Cooley, 1857-64; C. B. Dye, 1864-65; William 
Wright, 1866-69; ^n<i Stephen Harris, 1869-71. The pastors 
of the past fifty years have been Augustus Alvord, Austin Gard- 
iner, John Elderkin, E. G. Stone, N. A. Prince, C. B. Strong, J. 
B. Doolittle, J. B. Smith, S. A. Apraham, William William and 
William A. Linnaberrj'. 

First Baptist Church 

Until 1769 these Congregational Societies of Suffield and West 
Suffield were of the Church of the Standing Order under which 
the ecclesiastical and civic affairs were identical. All persons 
were taxed for the church as well as for state. The civil power 
collected the taxes for the church by restraint and, under the laws 
of both Massachusetts and Connecticut, no person could form 



142 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

a new church within the colonies without consent of the General 
Court and of the neighboring churches. 

But this effort for conformity became an increasing cause of 
dissension and was the ultimate undoing of the Standing Order. 
So-called "New Lights" arose in the ministry and, when a min- 
ister was disbarred, that portion of his ffock which agreed or 
sympathized with him left the church with him. Meantime 
Baptists, who had been exiled from England, had come to this 
country with the seed of their persuasion and, except in Rhode 
Island, the colonies made strict laws against them. Up to the 
early part of the eighteenth century they were banished from 
Massachusetts, and it was not until 1729 that Connecticut 
loosened the tie between church and state so that the Baptists 
were not taxed for the support of the Standing Order, which, 
however, continued to collect for its own support taxes from all 
who belonged to no church. The Massachusetts laws still con- 
tinued rigorous. In 1747 Suffield succeeded in detaching itself 
from Massachusetts and came under Connecticut jurisdiction, 
but it was not until 1769 that the First Baptist church in Suffield 
and the first in Hartford county was organized, with three con- 
stituent members, Joseph Hastings, Mrs. Mary Hanchett and 
Mrs. Theodosia Bronson. Joseph Hastings was a son of Deacon 
Thomas who settled at Watertown, Mass., and went to North- 
ampton where Joseph was born and whence he removed to 
Suffield, settling in the west part of the town. He became an 
elder and exhorter in the Separate or New Light movement in 
1750, and organized the First Baptist Church in 1769, or almost 
one hundred years after the settlement of the town. 

The first Meeting House was erected in 1777 on the triangu- 
lar green midway between the present residences of Albert and 
G. D. Austin. The second was erected on the site of the present 
structure in 1793 and was used for fifty years. The present 
church was built in 1846. The most notable of the pastors have 
been Joseph Hastings and his son John, who together served 
the church for forty years; Asahel Morse, pastor for twenty 
years and a resident of Suffield for the remainder of his life; 
James L. Hodge, who after three years service became a promi- 
nent preacher in Brooklyn; A. M. Torbet, who led the church in 
a revival and an increase of membership requiring the larger 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I43 

house of worship then built, and who later became a pioneer 
preacher in Minnesota; Erastus Andrews, who served for a con- 
siderable period and was the father of Dr. E. Benjamin Andrews, 
who after service in the Civil War was graduated from Brown 
University, became principal of the Connecticut Literary Insti- 
tution, later President of Brown University, chancellor of the 
University of Nebraska, and one of the American commissioners 
to the International Monetary Conference in Brussels in 1892; 
and Charles M. Willard, 1867-72. Five former pastors are still 
living, F. T. Latham, 1880-83; J- G. Ward, 1884-7; Harvey 
Linsley 1895-1902; A. R. McDougall 1905-6; and C. L. Buck- 
ingham 1913-86. Jesse F. Smith, a teacher at the Suffield School, 
is the present acting pastor. 

Second Baptist Church 

Four other churches may be said to have grown directly from 
the First Baptist church in Sufheld — the Baptist churches in 
Southwick and in Westfield, the Second Baptist in Sufheld, and 
the First Baptist in Hartford. To the Sufheld church in its early 
days came several families from Southwick, Westfield, Bloom- 
field, Windsor and other neighboring towns. It is said that 
Deacon BoUes of Hartford used to walk the eighteen miles to 
Suffield every Sunday, returning after the afternoon service. In 
1789 he invited his Baptist neighbors to his house and the next 
year they organized into the First Baptist church in Hartford. 

Some years later a little company of Baptists, fifteen in num- 
ber, living in the eastern part of Suffield met in the Feather 
Street school house and considered the convenience of a Baptist 
church nearer to them. With them met in council on their invi- 
tation elders and brethren from the First Baptist church, and 
from West Springfield, Wilbraham, Windsor and Groton. Thus 
the Second Baptist church was established May 22, 1805. Be- 
fore the close of the year, thirty-three were added to the original 
number. For three or four years the people met in the school 
houses of the different districts — Feather Street, Boston Neck 
and South Street. They had no pastor but were supplied from 
other churches. 

Meantime over ^2,000 had been subscribed for buying a lot 
and erecting a Meeting House, but there was delay in getting 



144 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

title to the lot, and the tradition is that the members of the 
Standing Order threw various obstacles in the way, even the 
mutilation and hiding of timber collected for the erection of the 
building, which was located where Charles L. Spencer now 
lives and was dedicated between 1808 and 1810. The rising 
revolt against the union of church and state tended to increase 
the membership of the new society, and not long afterward the 
change came in the Connecticut Constitution and full liberty 
was granted to other denominations. 

"For eleven years," says the historian of the Centennial of 
the church in 1905, "the congregation met on Sabbath morning 
in this Meeting House, called in derision the old barn, the furni- 
ture of which consisted of rude slab benches, and a few chairs 
brought in for the aged women from the dwellings of friendly 
neighbors. The carpenter's bench was still standing in the rear 
of the minister's desk; no stoves but foot stoves. Not until the 
year 1 8 19 were pews put in, galleries constructed and a pulpit 
placed against the wall." Thus it remained without modifica- 
tion till supplanted by the present church in 1840, on a more 
central site. 

The first pastor was Caleb Green, assistant to John Hastings 
of the First church. He was succeeded in 1815 by Bennett 
Pepper of Southwick, who was a revivalist and baptised many 
as a result of two revivals, but he was later deposed. From 1823 
to 1825 were three brief ministries and in the latter year, Calvin 
Philleo began his labors. He was a man of many remarkable 
parts, if somewhat eccentric, and was an earnest revival preacher. 
Under his preaching Dwight Ives, a young man of seventeen 
and later to become identified with the history of the church 
more than any other man before him, was convicted of sin. Mr. 
Philleo's pastorate continued till December 30, 1829. 

There were live short ministries from 1829 to 1839 when 
Dwight Ives began his long pastorate. The church then had three 
hundred and ten members. During the first twenty-five years 
of his pastorate there were six extensive revivals and the total 
number received into the church during the period was one 
thousand. Dr. Ives continued in the pastorate nine and one 
half years longer, resigning in 1874 to remove to Conway, Mass. 
He died in December of the following year. The pastors serving 




First Congregational Church Built 1869 







-■ • ■ ^"a?^." 











Boulder Placed on Site of First Meeting House 
by Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapter, D. A. R. 




FiisL Ikipii.st Cliuicli, Ziuirb Hill, Iniill 1S4O 




Second Baptist Church, Built 1S40 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I45 



since 1874 were J. R. Stubbert, B. W. Lockhart, D. B. Reed, 
G. F. Genung, R. C. Hull, W. A. Smith and K. C. MacArthur. 
The present pastor is E. Scott Farley. 

West Suffield Methodist Church 
Notwithstanding the act of the Connecticut General Court 
of 1727 which permitted the establishment of other societies, 
it was not until after several Baptist churches existed in various 
parts of the State that the first Methodist Society was estab- 
lished in Stratford, Conn. But all remained weak and shared in 
the constant grievances of dissenting sects. The eventual escape 
was brought about coincidently with the collapse of the Federal 
party. In 1816 the Republican party that Jefferson fathered 
made common cause with the dissenters of all denominations, 
and in the political battles fought on that issue in 1817 dissenters 
were elected Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of the State 
and the Republicans had a two-thirds majority in the legislature. 
It at once put all sects on an equality as to taxation and in the 
next year, at a convention in Hartford, was drafted the Consti- 
tution of 18 18, under which religious profession and worship 
were to be free to all, and no sect to be preferred by law. Thus 
after nearly two centuries vanished the Standing Order and 
the later "prime ancient societies." 

How radically the public state of mind changed after that is 
plain from the fact that the first sermon preached by a presiding 
elder (if not by any Methodist minister) in West Suffield was 
preached in the Congregational church there in 1832, and the 
Methodist society dated its beginning from that event. The 
men instrumental in its organization were Gustavus Austin, 
David Hastings, Horace Tullar, Curtis Warner, Warren Case 
and John Johnson. The following year, 1833, Charles Chittenden, 
a revivalist, was placed in charge of the society by the New York 
East conference and he served two years. He was followed by 
Cephas Brainard, and with one exception, 1854, the conference 
supplied the ministers throughout its history. In December 1839 
the first church edifice and the one that remained throughout 
its history was dedicated, with a sermon by Rev. Joseph Law of 
Hartford. Up to that time the services had been held in school 
houses, private dwellings and barns. 



146 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

In 1856 during the pastorate of Frederick Brown the first 
parsonage was built. Before that a house built in 1795 had been 
in use and in that house in 1844 the sculptor Olin Warner was 
born while his father Levi Warner was pastor. In accordance 
with Methodist practice pastors succeeded each other in brief 
ministries, the total number in its history which closed in 1920 
with the disbanding of the society and the sale of the church 
property, being forty-four. The families identified with the 
society have died off rapidly in the last few years and the dis- 
banding of the society became necessary. 

Calvary Episcopal Church 

No Episcopal church was established in town until 1865. 
After services had been held for about two months there was a 
legally warned meeting of those wishing to establish a church 
held at the house of George Williston on the evening of August 
4 of that year. Rev Augustus Jackson was chairman and Rob- 
ert E. Pinney secretary. The parish was duly and legally organ- 
ized to be known as The Episcopal Society of Calvary Church- 
Resolutions of organization were adopted and signed by Archi- 
bald Kinney, Alfred Owen, Robert E. Pinney, Timothy W. 
Kinney, S. N. Babcock and George Williston. At this meeting 
were elected as officers Archibald Kinney, Senior Warden; 
Anson Birge, Junior Warden; George Williston, S. N. Babcock, 
Alfred Owen, Robert E. Pinney, Timothy Kinney, Burdette 
Loomis, and Ashbel Easton, Vestrymen. Rev. Augustus Jack- 
son was chosen Rector. 

At the same time it was decided to purchase a lot for the 
erection of a church and to circulate a paper among the citizens 
of Suffield for procuring funds. The rector stated that for the 
present he desired no salary and it was decided to begin regular 
services in the Town Hall. Until current expenses were assured 
they were defrayed by the Christian Knowledge society. Mr. 
Jackson resigned his connection in the first half of the next year, 
and Rev. George E. Lounsbury, later Governor of Connecticut, 
continued services in Suffield in connection with St. Andrews 
Parish in Thompsonville until April 1867. Then followed Rev. 
Mr. Pratt, Rev. Henry Townsend and Rev. Mr. Walker. 

The corner stone of the new church was laid May I, 1 871 when 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 147 

services were conducted by Rt. Rev. Bishop Williams of Con- 
necticut assisted by other members of the clergy, and the work 
in the new church on Bridge Street was then carried to comple- 
tion. The present Senior Warden, William S. Larkum has been 
treasurer of the society for about forty years. 

Third Baptist Church 

The Third Baptist Church society (colored) was organized 
as a mission by Rev. David H. Drew of Springfield, Mass., in 
1903, and meetings were held in the Town Hall. Out of this mis- 
sion the church was organized two years later by Rev. R. C. 
Hull, pastor of the Second Baptist church, and Mr. Drew ac- 
cepted the pastorate. The society secured a lot on Kent Avenue 
and the present building was erected at a cost of $3000 and 
dedicated March 31, 1906. At this time $2400 of the total cost 
had been paid. 

Mr. Drew remained pastor until June, 1918 when he resigned 
leaving the church free from debt and in good condition. In the 
following August, Daniel W. West of Alexandria, Va., became 
pastor and remained until January, 1919, when Samuel E. Ellison 
of Fairfield, Conn., the present pastor was called. Under his 
pastorate the church has purchased a parsonage, the payment 
for which has been nearly completed. 

Sacred Heart Church 
The present edifice of Sacred Heart church was dedicated for 
Catholic worship, November 31, 1886. The preacher on that 
occasion was the Rev. Bernard O'Reilly Sheridan of Middletown, 
a brother of Rev. James O'Reilly Sheridan, pastor of St. Mary's, 
Windsor Locks, who was in charge of the Mission Church, as it 
was then called. The first lay trustees of the Mission Church 
were John Barnett and Joseph Roche of West Suffield. The 
church property was purchased in 1883 from M. J. Sheldon by 
the Rev. Michael Kelley, and was paid for in a short time. Un- 
til the Mission Church passed into the hands of a resident pastor. 
Mass was read each Sunday by one of the priests of Windsor 
Locks. The Rev. John Creedon was the last pastor of Windsor 
Locks to exercise jurisdiction over the church. The first resident 
pastor was Rev. John E. Clark, now of St. Joseph's Church, 
Willimantic. At the beginning of his pastorate of five years he 



148 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

built and furnished the rectory. The first Mass celebrated by 
the first pastor occurred on the feast of All Saints, November I, 
1913. He moved into the rectory October i, 1914, and worked 
tirelessly to meet the spiritual and material wants of his people, 
leaving behind a host of friends. He was followed by the Rev. 
James O'Meara, an energetic and zealous priest whose stay 
was shortened by ill-health. The present pastor. Rev. James F. 
J. Hennessey, took charge June 22, 1919. Educated in the pub- 
lic and parochial schools of New Haven, graduating from Yale 
University in the class of 1898, he finished his training for the 
priesthood at St. Bernard's Theological Seminary, Rochester, 
New York, and was ordained for the priesthood by Bishop Mc- 
Quaid in that city June 14, 1902. Before coming to Suffield he 
taught in the diocesan seminary, St. Thomas', Hartford, for a 
few years was engaged in pastoral work in Hartford, and for 
twelve years was assistant pastor in Ansonia, Conn. 

The arrival and location of the first Catholic family in the 
town is unknown. The first Mass in Suffield was celebrated in 
the home of Patrick Devine of Sheldon Street by the Rev. 
Michael McAuley in 1876. Mass was also read in the home 
of John Gilligan of West Suffield. At present Mass is read each 
Sunday morning at 8.30 and 10.30. Henry Roche and Jeremiah 
Dineen are the lay trustees of the parish corporation. 

St. Joseph's 

Polish residents organized the St. Joseph's society in 1905 and 
in 1912 purchased from New York owners the property on Main 
Street consisting of a residence built by George W. Loomis and 
other buildings. Father Wladarz, the first pastor, organized the 
parish in 191 5 and for a brief period held services in Sacred 
Heart church. In that year St. Joseph's was incorporated and 
acquired the church property from the society and the first 
services were held in the present church on Easter Sunday 1915. 
After three years. Father Wladarz was succeeded by the present 
pastor. Father Bartkowski. Since 1905 the parish has grown from 
a small number to about fifteen hundred members. The present 
church building is of a temporary nature. The parish expects 
to erect a permanent edifice within a few years, and has ac- 
cumulated a substantial fund for that purpose. 




Calvary Episcopal Church, Built 187; 




Third Baptist Church 





It HI i L IJ II ij 

TrrrfTT filial 



Sacred Heart Church and Rectory 




St. Joseph's Church and Rectory 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I49 

Public Schools 

In 1696 Anthony Austin "with great reluctancy and aver- 
sion in my spirit" became the first schoolmaster in Suffield for 
the sum of twenty pounds a year. The first school house was 
built by the town eight years later and "was 20 foot in length, 
16 in breadth and 6 foot stud, made warm and comfortable, fitt 
for to keep school in." It stood near the Meeting House. The 
second school house was built by the town in 1733. A committee 
was appointed "to prefix the place it shall be set on, so that it 
shall not exceed the space of forty rods from nor within ye space 
of ten rods of ye Meeting House." Its dimensions were twenty- 
four feet in length, eighteen feet in width and nine feet between 
joints. Josiah Sheldon built it, receiving therefor one-half or 
forty pounds in money, and the other half in town pay; he also 
had the old school house. 

When the town was divided into two ecclesiastical societies in 
1740, this school house passed from the town to the First Ec- 
clesiastical Society and in 1763 to the Center School district. It 
appears to have been enlarged and to have served for the dis- 
trict school until 1797, when it was removed to the corner of the 
Crooked Lane and Thompsonville road, where it is still standing 
as a part of the dwelling house of Mr. James McCarl. 

The third school house at the center, built in 1797 and costing 
$1333.34, stood upon the Common nearly in front of the Con- 
gregational Meeting House. There is no picture of Suffield as it 
was in those days, but from what is known the picture may in a 
measure be caught by the imagination. The third church edifice 
was one of rare architectural beauty for the period, and its 
steeple and graceful spire at the north end, and probably about 
where the Congregational chapel nowstands,was much admired. 
There was a clock dial on the east side and a clock of which men- 
tion is made elsewhere. The new school house nearby upon the 
Common had a stately cupola crowned with a gilded weather- 
cock, and together they made a notable civic center at a time 
when Suffield ranked in population higher than most towns in 
the valley, and not very far below Springfield and Hartford, 
each of which then had but little over 5000 population. Suffield 
had about 2500. 



150 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

To the north of the church and facing the Common was the 
new house of Timothy Swan (the Mather place); further north 
the older mansion of Gideon Granger, where the Middle building 
of the Suffield school now stands; a little further on was the 
Joseph Pease house, which many remember as the home of the 
late Miss Emily Clark; and further north the house now owned 
by Mr. K. C. KuUe. Across the way from the latter was the 
new mansion at this time acquired by William Gay. The Gay 
Manse, though much older, was still in its prime. Luther Loomis 
had just built the place now owned by the Masonic Lodge and 
across the highway to Feather Street was the old Archer place, 
then a noted tavern. Across the Common from that was the 
Hatheway place. Other substantial houses, if not so new, graced 
the street which withal was one of the finest of old New England 
centers as they existed in those days. 

This third school house, standing thus prominently on the 
Common, was a two story building with two rooms above the 
school room and in these, by the courtesy of the district, the 
Connecticut Literary Listitution was opened in 1833. The 
period of church building in town that set in between 1835 '^'^•^ 
1840 somewhat changed the aspect of the center. The third 
church building and its beautiful spire gave way to the fourth, 
larger but less notable architecturally, and soon after, or in 
1838, the school building was moved to the site of the present 
Town Hall, and a basement hall put in, the town and district 
being joint owners. The following paragraph from the district 
records closes its history; "Tuesday, October 2, i860, two 
o'clock, the school and town house were discovered in flames 
and was entirely destroyed." 

The fourth school house, the present Town Hall building, was 
built upon the same site and with the same copartnership, the 
school rooms occupying the lower floor with the hall above. 
The bricks were made in Suffield by William King. The town ex- 
pended $7798.48, and the district about one-half as much addi- 
tional. 

The first action in relation to a new school house separate and 
distinct from the town was taken June 22, 1889. The committee 
of the district was instructed to make proposals to the selectmen 
toward selling to the town the district rights in the building and 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 15 1 

site. After various legal steps, the committee, consisting of 
William L. Loomis, A. Spencer Jr., and W. S. Knox, sold to the 
town the district interest for $3200, possession to be given when 
the district secured suitable accommodations. At the same 
meeting a district committee, consisting of George Remington, 
George F. Kendall and Alfred Spencer, Jr., was appointed and 
instructed to secure a site and plans and erect a new school 
house. The total cost of the new building on Bridge street with 
site was about $12,000. 

The first school house in West Suffield was built in 1750 and 
was probably the third in the town. It was near "the southwest 
corner of Ireland plain where the road comes from the north 
between that and the Meeting House." In 1764 liberty was 
given several persons to build three school houses to accommo- 
date other sections of the precinct and soon after three districts 
were formed. In 1768 a second school house was built in the 
West Center district. Mr. Elias Harmon was the first school 
teacher in this building. Early in the nineteenth century his 
eldest son Elias removed to Mantua, Ohio as land agent for 
Martin Sheldon, and his descendants are now in that state. In 
1803, the old school house becoming inadequate, a new one was 
built on the south side of the highway to the mountain. This 
served until the erection of the present commodious modern 
building, completed in 1913 at a cost of about $30,000. 

From an early date other school houses were built to accom- 
modate the various centers of settlement, and the present dis- 
tricts — seven in the first precinct and four in the second, 
took practically their present form early in the last century. 
These district schools furnished the primary basis for many 
well educated men, though education was a more diflficult 
process than now. In 1804 the first district required persons 
sending scholars "to furnish for each scholar one quarter of a 
cord of three foot wood or pay in money at the rate of two dollars 
per cord" and, on failure to do either, their children were de- 
barred from attending school. Some years later twenty-five 
cents for each scholar was required to pay for wood. 

Until 1898 the schools of the town continued to be managed 
under this district system. The town, annually made an ap- 
propriation to the several districts, about $6000, and it was 



152 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

divided according to the number of teachers employed. This 
was about enough to pay the wages of the teachers, and all other 
expenses were carried in district taxes. 

To avoid the expense of laying two taxes, and to gain the ad- 
vantage of a more economical and uniform system for both the 
schools and the buildings the town system was inaugurated in 
1898. The number of school children enumerated fifty years 
ago was about 600 and it is now about 950; the number of 
teachers has increased from fourteen to nineteen. Under the old 
system there were no grades; now there are eight. All the grades 
above the fifth are now at the First Center and Second Center 
district buildings, and the pupils of the higher grades in the 
other districts are daily transported to the two centers. 

Until 1897 there was no free high school. Scholars seeking a 
secondary education usually went to the Connecticut Literary 
Institution paying a tuition of about ^30 a year. A state law re- 
quired towns to establish high schools or pay tuition for such as 
attended high schools in other places, and Suffield voted in 1897 
to pay the tuition of all Suffield pupils at the Connecticut Lit- 
erary Institution. Under the old system the town supervision of 
schools was in the hands of a Board of School Visitors who 
elected committees to examine teachers, grant them certificates 
to teach, visit the several schools during the year, and criticize 
the teachers' work. The present system is managed by a School 
Committee of nine members, serving without pay, and annually 
electing a chairman, secretary, treasurer and a superintendent 
of schools. When first organized under this system in 1898 the 
Committee chose one of its number to act as superintendent and 
the late Clinton Spencer was so chosen from 1898 to 1904. Then 
a joint district was formed with Windsor Locks, and Daniel 
Howard was appointed superintendent, each town paying one- 
third of the salary, and the State one-third. This plan continued 
till 1910 when this union was dissolved and a state supervisor 
was employed as superintendent, as by law, towns with less 
than twenty teachers were entitled to a supervisor paid by the 
State. In this capacity N. Searle Light served from 1910 to 
191 5, when he was succeeded by the present supervisor, Harold 
B. Chapman. In 1905 the town began to furnish free text books 
and supplies to all pupils in the public schools. 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 153 

Suffield School 

In 1821, or three years after religious freedom was constitu- 
tionally established in Connecticut, the Baptist Education Soci- 
ety was organized to meet the necessity of training young men 
for the ministry in that denomination. It was proposed to found 
an academy, and it was offered to that locality that would sub- 
scribe the largest amount of money. For a long time interest 
was only general, but later a rivalry developed between Bristol 
and Suffield and under the active leadership of Martin Sheldon, 
nearly $5000 was subscribed by the people of Suffield. The list 
of original contributors is now in the Sheldon historical collec- 
tion in the Kent Memorial Library. 

The Connecticut Baptist Literary Institution was opened in 
1833 in the upper room of the district school building, which 
stood on the park in front of the Congregational church, and 
steps were soon taken to secure a site for school buildings. The 
place chosen was the home lot of Sergeant Samuel Kent, a set- 
tler in 1676. It had later passed to Joseph Pease, whose daughter 
married Gideon Granger, who was postmaster-general in Jeffer- 
son's administration and who had moved to New York. The 
Granger Mansion, palatial in its day, stood on the site when 
it passed to the Baptist Education society, and for a long period 
the house was occupied by the principals of the school. The 
Old South building was erected in 1834, the first story of Con- 
necticut stone and the three upper stories of brick. It had two 
entrances running through from front to rear, with class rooms 
on the north and south ends of this first story and a large room 
in the center, at first used for chapel and later for a classroom. 
It contained twenty-four stove-heated rooms for teachers and 
students, and back of the building was a long frame woodshed, 
where the students worked up their fuel with bucksaws. Under 
such requirements no gymnasium was needed or thought of. 
In the cupola of the Old South was placed a bell which rang 
regularly for over sixty years for classes as they came and went. 
It is now preserved in the tower of the North building but is 
seldom rung, having yielded long since to automatic electric 
bells. 

The second period of the school's history began in 1843 when 



154 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



the trustees decided to add a ladies' department. The word 
Baptist had meantime been dropped from the name which be- 
came familiar throughout the State as the Connecticut Literary 
Institution. A new structure seventy-five feet long and thirty- 
seven wide, with three stories above the basement, and including 
a kitchen and dining room, was built north of the old Granger 
House and completed in 1845. It was a period of rapid growth 
and the number of pupils ranged between two hundred and 
three hundred. In 185 1 the prosperity of the co-educational 
school called for more room and the Middle building was erected. 
The old Granger mansion was moved back to the place it now 
occupies and has served various purposes in the seventy years 
that have elapsed. Recently it has been converted into a barn 
to house the dairy herd with which the school is now equipped 
for its own milk supply. 

The period of the first remarkable growth of the school, 
1843-70, was practically coincident with the long and successful 
pastorate of Dr. Dwight Ives in the Second Baptist church. 
The principals of the period were Charles C. Burnett, William 
W.Woodbury, Hiram A. Pratt, Franklin B. Gamwell, E. P. Bond 
and E. Benjamin Andrews. As a co-educational school it was at 
the height of its influence and prestige in the decade after the 
Civil War, and in the late sixties and early seventies had a gal- 
axy of able teachers well remembered by the older surviving 
graduates; besides Dr. Andrews, there were Dr. J. M. English, 
Dr. M. M. Johnson and Edward F. Vose. 

Soon after the bl-centennial celebration of the town, the 
trustees considered plans for additional buildings, but March 6, 
1872 the ladies' building was burned. In six days the trustees 
voted to rebuild and the present North Building was erected at 
a cost of ^75,000, and was first occupied in 1873. 

In the following years the institution suffered more and more 
from the competition of the growing high schools of the cities, 
and from other causes similarly affecting all such academies. 
But the educational standards at Suffield were fairly well main- 
tained under the principals of the period — J. A. Shores, Judge 
Martin H. Smith, Rev. Walter Scott and H. L. Thompson. In 
1899, toward the end of a period of accumulating financial dis- 
couragement, the Old South building and its site were sold to 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 155 



the town for the location of the Kent Memorial Library. Under 
the principalship of H. L. Thompson also, the use of the Old 
Middle was discontinued, and the change was made to a boys' 
school, housed entirely in the North building. 

At this critical period Mr. Ralph K. Bearce became principal, 
the late Charles C. Bissell of Suffield, chairman of the executive 
committee, and Rev. Raymond Maplesden was employed as 
field secretary to secure boys and promote the financial support 
of the institution. It was a period of transition, doubts and 
difficulties, but also of the beginning of a larger growth. The 
restoration of the Old Middle building for class rooms and dor- 
mitories became a necessity to provide enough boarding pupils 
to make a good school self-supporting, and a fund of $50,000 
was raised, of which the people of Sufl[ield contributed about 
two-thirds. At about the same time the school became inter- 
denominational, the control wholly passing to the chartered and 
self-perpetuating board of trustees. The Old Middle was refin- 
ished to be rededicated in 1908 at the time of the celebration of 
the seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of the institution. 

This occasion, coincident with the annual Commencement, 
was largely attended by old graduates and friends of the C. L. I. 
The Commencement sermon was preached by Dr. Rockwell 
Harmon Potter of the First Congregational church of Hartford, 
then a member and later a president of the board of trustees. 
On Tuesday, June i6th. Dr. William G. Fennell, pastor of the 
Asylum Avenue Baptist church of Hartford, of the class of 1880, 
delivered the historical address. A poem by Prof. William G. 
Hastings of Brown University and the class of 1899 was read. 
Henry B. Russell, president of the Alumni Association, class of 
1877, presided at the alumni dinner, which was followed by the 
exercises of the dedication of the Middle Building, Dr. M. M. 
Johnson, president of the board of trustees, presiding. Dr. E. 
Benjamin Andrews, chancelor of the University of Nebraska and 
the former principal, delivered the commencement address at the 
Second Baptist church the following day. The proceedings were 
printed by the Alumni Association and copies are preserved 
in the Kent Memorial Library. 

About two years later Principal Bearce went to the Powder 
Point School as headmaster and Dr. Hobart G.Truesdell, who 



ir6 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



had come to the faculty from Mercersburg academy, became 
headmaster at Suffield. Under his management the school rap- 
idly advanced to its present high prestige among the secondary 
schools of the country. The equipment has been steadily in- 
creased, the educational standards raised, and the attendance 
of boarding students increased to the present capacity of about 
one hundred and ten boys, with about an equal number of town 
pupils, for whom the town pays tuition. The curriculum has 
been extended, the faculty increased in number and strengthened 
in quality, some military features have been added, a new gym- 
nasium built and equipped, an extensive farm plant developed 
for the special supply of the school and many improvements 
of various kinds have been made in the buildings, equipment 
and grounds. During the period another fund of $50,000 was 
raised, the Suf?ield people and 'friends elsewhere contribut- 
ing generously. In 1912 it appeared that the old name, Con- 
necticut Literary Institution, was creating some misappre- 
hension where its actual character as a secondary school was 
not well known, and the name was changed to Suffield School, 
the old familiar monogram, C.L.I. , being preserved as a school 
emblem. 

It recently became apparent that a still larger extension of 
facilities would be needed, and it was decided to accept the bene- 
fits of the educational extension planned by the Baptist denomi- 
nation, which with others, was raising large sums to meet the 
problems of the future. This benefit includes $150,000 for en- 
dowment, and other special purposes, and $50,000 for a new 
dormitory for fifty boys, the object being to provide education 
for a class of boys who can not afford to pay the regular tui- 
tional charges. In addition the Connecticut Baptist Convention 
is to annually provide a fund of $2500 for scholarships, or other 
use in extending educational advantages to worthy but poor 
boys. Plans for these and other extensions are now being worked 
out. The management of the school is lodged as before in the 
Board of Trustees which is self-perpetuating. Mr. Edward A. 
Fuller of Suffield, who has been a generous worker for and donor 
to the school, was chairman of the board at the time of his 
death, and the chairman of the executive committee is Mr. 
Samuel R. Spencer of Suffield. 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 157 



Libraries 

Tradition has it that "the town library" was kept in the Gay 
Manse in a room adjoining that in which Ebenezer Gay kept his 
school and prepared young men for college. A few books left by 
Ebenezer Gay are now in the Kent Memorial Library, in which 
also are seventy-nine books bearing this inscription with the 
date 1791: "This book belongs to Sufheld Library and by the 
regulation of said Library it is to be returned to the librarian 
on the first Tuesday of Jan., Mar., May, July, Sept., at or be- 
fore I o'clock in the afternoon on said date. The annual meet- 
ing of the proprietors to be the next Thursday after the first 
Tuesday in Sept. at i o'clock in the afternoon." 

A subscription library was started in West Suffield in 1812, 
and its records with the names of the subscribers were left among 
Mr. H. S. Sheldon's papers. The quaint but graceful preamble 
to the subscription and the record is as follows: 

"It has ever been considered that the Reading of usefull and 
instructing Books has a peculiar effect in civilizing Society and 
harmonizing the mind of man, and likewise filling up those lei- 
sure hours with useful studies, which otherwise might be devoted 
to vanity and idleness. How important must appear to every 
intelligent mind the necessity of using all the means in our power 
to increase (as far as consistent with interest) procure and dis- 
tribute such useful instructors to society. For extending this 
purpose in an economical way it has been thought advisable to 
form a subscription for a general library, for the acomplishment 
of which we the subscribers have obligated ourselves to take the 
number of shares annexed to our names, and each share is to be 
Two Dollars." 

The first subscriber was Charles Denison who became clerk of 
the organization. There were forty-three original subscribers, 
some of the shares being later transferred to others. Among the 
subscribers were Calvin, Ozias, Alexander, Israel, Isaac and 
Deborah Harmon, Eli and Chauncey Warner, John and Simeon 
Spencer, Arastus and Eli Sheldon, John, Enos, Anna, Oliver 
and David Hanchett, Eliakim, William and Isaac Pomeroy, 
Benajah and Plinney Owen, James, and Reuben Loomis, Isaac 
and Eliza Graham. The first meeting was held in Col. Thaddeus 



158 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

Leavitt's store March 23, 1812 and a committee was appointed 
to draw up a constitution, which was done. The first article pro- 
vided that it should be entitled and called "The Center Library 
in Suffield" and there was a further subscription to purchase a 
case to hold the seventy-six volumes which were bought with the 
^86 raised. The faded and somewhat mutilated paper giving the 
list of the books indicates that about thirty-five of the volumes 
were Rollin's Histories. 

Isaac R. Graham was chosen librarian. From the record of 
the transfer of the shares it appears that the share of Arastus 
Sheldon was transferred to Thaddeus Lyman, who was chosen 
clerk of the organization at the annual meeting in 1813. After 
18 15 the records were imperfectly kept and there is little to indi- 
cate its later history or end. 

The Connecticut Literary Institution began to collect books 
for its use soon after its establishment, and in time it grew into 
a fair working library that fifty years ago was kept in the rooms 
of the Adelphi and Calliope societies of the school. These vol- 
umes passed to the Kent Memorial Library at the time of its 
establishment, 

Suffield Library Association 

The present public library had its beginning in the co-operative 
effort of interested citizens in June 1 884. By that time the advan- 
tages of libraries for school as well as public use had become 
better appreciated, and a prime mover for a public library was 
Prof. J. F. Kelley of the faculty of the Connecticut Literary In- 
stitution of which Judge Martin H. Smith was then principal. 
A meeting of citizens was called and held in the chapel of the 
First Congregational church, a subscription paper started and in 
a short time $450 was raised. Those taking the lead in the enter- 
prise were included in the first board of officers which consisted 
of Rev. H. L. Kelsey, pastor of the First Congregational Church, 
president; Dr. M. T. Newton, vice president; George F. Kendall, 
treasurer; William S. Larkum, secretary; Prof. J. F. Kelley, 
Rev. H. L. Kelsey, Rev. B. W. Lockhart, pastor of the Second 
Baptist church. Dr. O. W. Kellogg, Dr. W. H. Mather, and Dr. 
J. K. Mason, directors; William L. Loomis and E. A. Fuller 
auditors. 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I59 

By the first of the year the library had become an accomplished 
fact consisting of about six hundred volumes and at a meeting 
of the directors January 5, 1885 plans were made to open the 
library to the public Monday and Saturday afternoons. The 
charge for a card entitling a holder to the privileges of the library 
was one dollar. Suitable quarters were secured on the first floor 
of the building on the south corner of Day Avenue and Main 
Street, then owned by Dr. M. T. Newton, and Miss Emma New- 
ton became librarian giving her services for the ten years in 
which the library was much patronized by the public. At inter- 
vals during the ten years fairs and entertainments were held to 
raise funds. 

Kent Memorial Library 

In 1893 the Legislature passed an act providing certain state 
aid in the purchase of books for towns establishing free public 
libraries and, upon the petition of Edward A. Fuller and others, 
a special town meeting was held March 14, 1894 for the organiza- 
tion of a free public library. A board of twelve directors was 
chosen and authorized to adopt such by-laws as were needed 
and to purchase for a sum not exceeding $200 all the books, 
about 1200 volumes, papers and property of the Suffield Library 
Association which then ceased to exist. 

The directors so chosen were Judge Martin H. Smith, Dr. 
Jarvis K. Mason, James O. Haskins, Miss Louise E. Hatheway 
for the term of one year; Alfred Spencer Jr., Leverett N. Austin, 
Frederick B. Hatheway, Miss Alena F. Owen for two years; 
Hezekiah S. Sheldon, Dr. Matthew T. Newton, Dwight S. Ful- 
ler, Mrs. Sara L. Spencer for three years. The board organized 
May II, 1894 with Martin H. Smith, president; James O. Has- 
kins secretary; and Alfred Spencer, Jr., treasurer. Suitable 
quarters were secured in the Loomis Block and retained until 
the new library was built. The growth was slow at first. The 
town appropriation was only $300 but in 1900, by the combined 
efforts of the directors and others interested, the library had 
grown to 3766 volumes and the records showed that 6437 books 
had been drawn by the public during the year. 

In 1897 Mr. Sidney A. Kent, a native of Suffield and for many 
years a prominent and successful business man in Chicago, re- 



l6o SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

turned to Suffield and, desirous of erecting a memorial to his 
parents whose ancestors were prominent in the early history of 
the town, offered to erect a library building costing not less than 
$35,000, if the town would provide a suitable site. The site of 
the old South building was secured from the Connecticut Liter- 
ary Institution and was a part of the grant or allotment of land 
made in 1678 to Samuel Kent, the first of his ancestors to come to 
Suffield. Upon this he erected the beautiful Kent Memorial 
building and in addition furnished the library with 6872 carefully 
selected volumes and thirty-two magazines and periodicals. 
That the library might be properly provided for in addition to 
town appropriations, Mr. Kent created an endowment of 
$25,000, one-half of the income of which should go annually to 
the maintenance of the library, and the other half added to the 
principal for a period of twenty years, after which the whole in- 
come of the increased fund should become available. The build- 
ing was dedicated November I, 1899 at which time Mr. Kent 
presented to the town the building, books, certificate of trust 
fund and a check for $5000 to cover the cost of site. On Septem- 
ber I, 1901 the library had 10,759 volumes in its stacks and 
10,773 h^<^ been drawn by the public during the year. There are 
now over twenty thousand volumes and the number of books 
drawn annually by the public has steadily increased. The town 
annually appropriates $1200 and the income from the Kent 
fund is about $1400. 

Since the dedication of the new building other bequests have 
been made. The late Martin J. Sheldon left $25,000 in trust as 
a memorial to his brother Henry Kent Sheldon, one-half the 
income becoming available to the library at once and the other 
half added to the principal for a term of years. Besides these 
are the Helen M. King and Jane Leavitt Hunt Funds, the in- 
come of which is used in the purchase of reference books. The 
income from all funds now amounts to about $2100 a year. 
Thefirst librarian, Miss Jennie Bemis, was succeeded August 1894 
by Miss Mary Gay Spencer who served until 1898. In that year 
Miss Lillian Steadman became librarian, and served for sixteen 
years. Miss Aladeline H. Spencer the present librarian began 
her services in 1914. 

The only changes in the board of directors have been those 



V. 





THE OLD MlDDLb:, Built 1S51 and Remodeled 1907 




THE OLD SOUTH, Built 1834 and Torn Down 1899 



171 

z 

H 
O 

S 

r 

w 

> 



5 o -^ 5 m 2 



M 2 > > ^ 



w > O r" 

■-J " d 

H K W o ffi ' 

w w o 5 35 p,H 

5 ^ KH n M 



"^ W z H 
O -< o £L 





lluubc Buill b\ Captain Junalhan Sheldon 1723 (p. 165) 




Home of Posthumous Sikes 1739 (p. 173) 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW l6l 

caused by death or removal from Suffield. Of the original board 
James O. Haskins, Miss Alena F. Owen, Mrs. Sara L. Spencer 
and Dwight S. Fuller are still serving. The present officers are 
Samuel R. Spencer, president, and James O. Haskins, secretary 
and treasurer. Miss Owen was treasurer from 1895 ^^ 1918. 
Directors whose service has been terminated by death have been 
M. H. Smith i894-i905;M. T. Newton, 1894-1909; J. K. Mason, 
1894-1905; Louise E. Hatheway, 1894-1912; L. N. Austin, 1894- 
1900; F. B. Hatheway, 1894-1917; H. S. Sheldon, 1894-1903; 
O. C. Rose, 1895-99; C. C. Bissell,i905-I9i4; and George F.Ken- 
dall 1909-12, A. Spencer Jr., 1904-05, and Sarah F. Dibble, 1900- 
12, removed from Suffield. 

The present board with the date of their election is as follows: 
Alena F. Owen, James O. Haskins, D. S. Fuller and Sara L. 
Spencer, 1894; W. E. Caldwell, 1899; S. R. Spencer, 1903; H. B. 
Russell, 1905; G. A. Harmon, Hattie S. Brockett, C. B. Sheldon, 
1912; C. R. Latham, 1914; S. K. Legare, 1917. 

The Sheldon Collection 

No native of Suffield had a keener or more passionate interest 
in the town of his fathers than the late Hezekiah S. Sheldon and 
one of the results of his long and painstaking study and research 
is a legacy of peculiar value to the library and the town. The 
Sheldon Collection is unique in that its actual value increases 
with the years, while in a larger sense it is priceless because it 
could not be entirely replaced. 

Becoming interested early in life in all pertaining to old Suf- 
field, for years he ranged the field of New England colonial re- 
cords, seeking anything that related to its early history and 
families. His transcription and publication of the records of the 
town for its first ninety years suggested numerous lines of re- 
search in which he spared neither time nor money, and often 
they yielded rich results. It was discovered that one of the vol- 
umes of the vital statistics of Suffield (1760-1817) was missing 
and later he found it in a search of the attic of the old Pease 
house just before it was torn down. For years he was a familiar 
figure at book sales of rare Americana, and at the sale of the 
notable Brindley collection in New York in 1879, made exten- 
sive purchases. One of the rare little pamphlets offered was 



l62 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



Isaac HoUister's story of his captivity in 1763, printed in Suffield 
by Edward Gray in 1813. Others bid for it but on the margin of 
the Brindley catalogue left in the collection is Mr. Sheldon's 
penciled memo: "H. S. S. has it; ^30." Authorities in rare Amer- 
icana now value the faded little volume at $100. At the same 
sale he purchased for $22 a small pamphlet — the Holly sermon 
preached at Suffield the first Sunday after the arrival of the 
news of the Boston Tea Party. These instances are typical of 
many, indicating the thoroughness and persistence with which 
he sought and obtained Suffield antiquities. 

The collection, however, is far from being confined to books 
or papers directly relating to Suffield; it contains many rare 
books in a wider field in which Suffield, as an Old New England 
town, had its place. It is rich in colonial history and genealogy, 
comprising such works as Hinman's Genealogy of the Colony of 
Connecticut, John Farmer's Genealogical Register, John Eliot's 
Biographical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England, 
1809, Savages's Genealogical Dictionary, William Allen's Bio- 
graphical Dictionary, (first edition and quite rare). The New 
England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vols. I to 18 in- 
clusive, three of which are scarce and one of them said to be 
quite unobtainable. 

In a measure Mr. Sheldon's extensive collection of town his- 
tories and other data, both political and religious, may have 
been influenced by a genealogical study of the first Suffield 
settlers. The Grangers, Nortons, Fullers and others came from 
Ipswich, Mass., and in his collection are Felt's History of 
Ipswich and Kimball's Sketch of the Ecclesiastical Society 
of Ipswich; in a similar manner he added to his collection 
books and papers regarding the early history and families of 
Northampton, Springfield, Hadley, and the old towns of Con- 
necticut. 

One rare treasure, however, the collection unfortunately 
missed. At some time in his searches Mr. Sheldon obtained a 
copy of William Pynchon's book, "Meritorious Price of Christ's 
Redemption" paying $205. President Pynchon of Trinity Col- 
lege (1874-83) wanted it. No other copies were obtainable and, 
recognizing the sentimental claim of a descendent of Springfield's 
first magistrate and leader, Mr. Sheldon sold it to him for $500. 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 163 



Had the book related directly to Suffield, probably he would not 
have sold it at any price. 

Next to local and related town history no subject appealed to 
Mr. Sheldon more than the Indians. The collection contains 
many stories of Indian captivities and early published volumes 
of Indian wars constitute a considerable portion of this library of 
rare old books. Quaint stories of travel and geographical des- 
cription form another distinctive and extensive feature. 

Interesting relics of old Suffield abound. Among them are 
many manuscript sermons preached by Suffield ministers in the 
old days; old account books of first settlers; old maps, such as one 
of the Farmington canal; first communion cup of the West 
Suffield Congregational church, carried off to Ohio by an emi- 
grating family and recovered by Mr. Sheldon some eighty years 
later; a pitchpipe wrought into the shape of a book which be- 
longed to Sheldon Graham, chorister of the West Suffield church 
and brother of Sylvester Graham; several Graham books and 
sermons; a New England Psalm Tune book printed in Suffield; 
papers concerning Newgate Prison of which Mr. Sheldon's 
grandfather was keeper for many years, and variou sother rec- 
ords and articles of olden times. 




Gad Lane Tavern, Built by Samuel Lane 1726 (p. 174J 




Hatheway Place, Built by Abraham Burbank 1736 (p. 166) 




Alfred Spencer Place, Built by Daniel Spencer 1726-47 (p. 169) 




Wi''*^ 



P^ 






Gav Manse, Built by Rev. Ebenczer Gay, D.D. 1742 (p. 167) 



LANDMARKS 

By nothing that now remains is the voice of Suffield's past 
spoken so clearly as by some of its old houses, and their archi- 
tectural qualities, representing the thought and purpose of the 
periods in which they were erected, make them an interesting 
study. Previous to the celebration, the Historical Committee, of 
which Mr. Samuel R. Spencer was chairman, procured and placed 
upon about one hundred of the older houses signs giving the 
names of their builders so far as they could be ascertained, and 
the date of their construction. This involved an extensive search 
of old land records and other sources of information and Mr. 
Spencer has since supplemented this much appreciated feature 
of the celebration with further facts gleaned from old records, 
regarding a few of the old houses that he has selected for illustra- 
tion in this publication. For this purpose he has chosen as many 
different types as possible and houses that are in their original 
condition or nearly so. 

Certain architectural features were typical of different periods. 
It appears, for instance, that those houses built previous to the 
Pease house in 1760 had but one chimney which was placed in 
the center of the house, usually with large fireplaces in the 
rooms grouped about it. Those built after 1760 have a hall 
through the center with chimneys at either side and usually close 
to either end of the house, thus doubling the number of possible 
fireplaces, for heating was one of the main considerations in those 
days. Palladian windows occur only in houses built during the 
decade 1790-1800, and from 1790 to 1830 semi-circular windows 
were used in the attics of nearly every house. These and other 
architectural qualities will be noticed in the houses illustrated. 

The Jonathan Sheldon Place 
Mr. Hezekiah S. Sheldon used to claim that this was the oldest 
house in town and its "lean-to" roof and great chimney indicate 
that it is certainly among the oldest. Captain Johnathan Sheldon 
came to Suffield from Northampton in 1723 and built his house 
that summer. Here he raised his large family, giving to each of 
his five sons a separate farm on Sheldon Street. His wife died in 
1768 and he the next year; on their tombstone they are called, 



l66 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

"The Happy Pair." At their death, their son Gershom received 
the place and passed it on to his son Ebenezer, who in 1800 
moved to Aurora, Ohio, selHng the place to Captain Isaac Owen. 
He died in 1816 and left it to his son Benajah who in 1823 leased 
it to his sons. A mortgage given in 1799 speaks of "an ancient 
house." In 1829 Sheldon, Holkins and Lyman, having fore- 
closed a mortgage, sold it to Gustavus Austin, from whom it 
descended to his son T. Jefferson Austin and his grandson 
Charles C. Austin who sold it in 1901 to R. L. Theuer. From 
his estate it was bought in 1904 by Christopher Michel. 

The Hatheway Place 
The main part of the house, now the residence of D. N. Car- 
rington, was built in 1736 by Captain Abraham Burbank who 
had previously bought of Christopher Jacob Lawton, the early 
lawyer mentioned elsewhere, ten acres of land which had been 
the home lot of Nathaniel Harmon. Captain Burbank was one 
of the leading men in the town. In 1743 he added to the property 
the Devotion place on the north, between his place and the Har- 
rocks place as this generation knows it. The Devotion house had 
been built about 1715 by Ebenezer Devotion, pastor of the Con- 
gregational church, and has long since gone. But the well still 
remains just north of Mr. Carrington's barns, and the last of the 
seven elms he planted stood until about six years ago. Tradition 
has it that, in a stop at Sufheld on a trip through New England 
and after dining at the Austin Tavern across the street, George 
Washington addressed the townspeople under this elm, that so 
long survived its fellows. Captain Burbank was succeeded by 
his son Shem, who was one of the four Suffield Tories mentioned 
in Rev. Samuel Peters' list as being loyal to the King and to be 
counted on as against the Revolution. The others were Dr. 
Alexander King, town clerk and physician. Captain Isaac Owen 
and Seth Austin, the tavern keeper. Shem Burbank sold the 
place to Oliver Phelps of Granville, Mass., but he embarked 
later in an unfortunate land speculation in the west, and, selling 
the place to Asahel Hatheway Sr., moved to Canandaigua, N. Y. 
Asahel Hatheway Jr., who had prospered in New York as a mer- 
chant, built the north wing of the house about 1816 and the 
south wing was used by his son, Henry, as a law office, though 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW \6j 

it is uncertain wiien it was built. The big sycamore in the south 
yard is well over a hundred years old, and is quite the most nota- 
ble tree in Suffield. Both Asahel Hatheway and his son Asahel, 
were Yale men, and in 1815 Asahel Jr. added to his inheritance 
Hezekiah Huntington's lot of ten acres (formerly the homestead 
of General Phinehas Lyman, the house standing not far from the 
present unfinished hotel). For many years "Miss Louise", 
daughter of Asahel Hatheway Jr., was mistress of this place, and 
her stately dignity and gracious but firm refusal to open her 
home to any but a few intimates imparted to the old mansion 
an air of mystery. She died in 1910 and many of the treasures 
and heirlooms are now cherished in the Wadsworth Atheneum 
in Hartford. 

Gay Manse 
In 1742 the Congregational Church called to Suffield Ebenezer 
Gay of Hingham, Mass. He and his son, Ebenezer Gay, Jr., 
were pastors of this church for ninety-five years during all of 
which they exerted a great influence, which radiated from this 
house on the life of the community. When Mr. Gay came here 
in 1742, he built the Gay Manse and brought to it his young wife 
who was Hannah Angier, daughter of a merchant in Providence, 
and the list of her dowry is preserved in the Kent Library, as 
also Mr. Gay's diaries covering a period of over forty years, and 
many of his sermons. The old place has always remained in the 
family and is in practically the same condition as when these 
old divines lived there. This place was originally a part of the 
grant to Rev. Peletiah Glover of Springfield but was soon after 
bought by Victory Sikes. In 1699 the latter sold his house lot 
"with a mansion and buildings thereon" to Joseph Sheldon, Sr., 
and in 1724 his son Joseph sold it to his cousin Josiah Sheldon, 
who had a store. In 1727 it was purchased by Ebenezer Burbank 
who held it until 1735 when he sold it to Christopher Jacob Law- 
ton, the lawyer, who in the same year bought the present town 
of Blandford from the Suffield proprietors. But the same year 
also Lawton sold the place to John Kent who held the property 
until it was bought by Dr. Ebenezer Gay, 

Joseph Pease House 
In 1750, Joseph Pease of Enfield moved to Suffield, lived with 



l68 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

Asaph Leavitt and made shoes for a living; later he lived with 
General Lyman and built a sloop for him in 1753. On July 24, 
1760 he raised the house here illustrated and moved into it in 
November of that year. His diary which he kept for many years 
is still in the possession of his great grand-daughter, Mrs. Ed- 
ward A. Fuller, and on it this sketch is based. He was a stirring 
active man of many interests, had a malt house on Clay Gutter 
and made from twelve to fifteen hundred barrels of cider a year, 
and shipped five hundred bushels of rye to Holland at a time. 
He had saw mills at the mouth of Stony Brook, and made fre- 
quent trips on horseback to Vermont after logs, which were 
floated down the river. We find in his diary that when sixty- 
four years old he made the trip of seventy-four miles to Benning- 
ton, Vt., on horse back in three days, and that he drove to Co- 
hoes, N. Y., in a sleigh in the year of his death. There are many 
references to the weather scattered through his diary, some of 
them so surprising that they seem worthy of reproducing: 

"The snow is so deep and hard that on March 19, 1763, could 
go with teams and sleds over the fences. I went that day over 
the bigger part of the town across the lots without any regard 
to highways. The Great River was crossed with horses after 
that on April 2nd." 

"Oct. 23, 1773, ripe strawberrys and raspberrys, second crop 
of flax, good and well-coated and summer rye eared and in the 
blow; the most remarkable growing fall I ever knew." 

"1780 Friday May 19th, a very dark day so that at 10 a.m. 
candles wanted in the house; fowls went to roost and everything 
appeared like half an hour after sunset on a cloudy day; the 
clouds of a greenish hue and very surprising and reflected same 
color on everything on the earth; and the next Sunday was seen 
by Esq. King and his wife a mock sun at half an hour high in the 
morning a little above the sun, which the sun passed over and 
left visible after it was above it." 

"The Great River held good crossing on the ice with any load 
from the first of December to 12th of March without interrup- 
tion." 

This house was one of the notable houses of the town and as 
far as Mr. S. R. Spencer has discovered the first one to be built 
with a chimney in each end and a hall through the middle, 
Its front doorway was the pride of the town for many years. 
The front hall was beautifully paneled and its stair rail of rare 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 169 



architectural grace. From this hall, entrance was gained into a 
small and dark room, whither the family were wont to retire 
in case of thunder showers. When Joseph Pease died 1794, ^^is 
house passed to his son Dr. Oliver, who lived and practiced his 
profession till he was past eighty, and found time to be town 
clerk for twenty years and judge of probate. On his death the 
property passed to his daughter Emily, wife of the Rev. Elam 
Clarke, and from them to their daughter Miss Emily Clarke, 
last of the line, who died in 1885. The house was then bought 
by Alartin J. Sheldon and given to the Connecticut Literary 
Institution and, having fallen into neglect, it was demolished 
in 1902. 

The Spencer Place 

Thomas Spencer, Jr., came to Suffield in 1674 and received a 
grant of sixty acres on the east side of High street, comprising 
the present Norton place and the property of St. Joseph's 
church. In 1698 his son Samuel received a grant of sixteen acres 
in the meadow which is still a part of the Spencer farm. High 
Street was becoming thickly settled by 1726 and Samuel Spencer 
sold his half of his father's grant and built a house on the present 
Olds & Whipple farm. It was on the flat west of the present 
house and was the first house built between High Street and 
Taintor Hill. The same year the town laid out a road by this 
house, and soon after Thomas Spencer built a house on the brow 
of the hill, east of his father's place and near where the large 
maple now stands. Sometime before 1743 Daniel Spencer built 
the house here illustrated. With the single exception of the Dan 
Phelps house west of the mountain it is said to be the only one 
In Suffield with an overhanging second story. Samuel Spencer 
died in 1743 and his sons divided the land, Daniel taking the 
north and Thomas the south half. Daniel Spencer died In 1772 
and his farm passed to Daniel Spencer, Jr., who died In 1784, 
when the property passed to his children. In 1798 Augustine 
Spencer, son of Daniel Jr., sold his place to his cousin Hezeklah, 
grandson of Thomas. In 1803 Spencer Street was laid out by 
the town, just north of this house, but it was subsequently 
changed to the south. In 18 10 Hezeklah Spencer moved to South 
Street to be on the post road but retained ownership of the farm. 



lyO SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



He died in 1820, and the farm passed to his son Alfred, who in 
1823 married Harriet King, daughter of Ebenezer King, Jr., 
builder of the Gay Mansion and the Pool, and they renovated 
the house and moved into it. Alfred Spencer died in 1838 and 
was succeeded by his son Alfred who died in 1891, leaving seven 
children, who incorporated The Alfred Spencer Company which 
now owns the house and farm. 

Gay Mansion 
In 1795 Ebenezer King, Jr., bought "twenty-six acres of land 
on High Street bounded west on the post road, southwest corner 
bound being at the old drain through the lot." He was at that 
time in the heyday of his prosperity and reputed to be worth 
^100,000. He was one of the leading spirits in the Connecticut 
Western Reserve of Ohio, and later lost his fortune and died 
comparatively poor. Gay Mansion, as it came to be known 
later, was the finest house in Suffield, as the illustrations else- 
where show. In 181 1, Ebenezer King sold the place to William 
Gay, who was then and for many years the leading lawyer of 
this part of Hartford County, and for over thirty-five years the 
postmaster of Sufiield, the post office being at this house. The 
home passed to two unmarried daughters who lived long lives 
there, keeping the old furnishings of the house with scrupulous 
nicety and precision. For well nigh a hundred years the great 
hall carpet, woven in the house from wool grown and spun on the 
place, remained in good condition, and all the well preserved 
furnishings gave to the place a peculiar charm in later years as 
the home of Mrs. Elise R. Ailing, who thus retained it in the pos- 
session of the descendents of the Gay family until 1916, when it 
was sold to Rev. Daniel R. Kennedy, Jr. 

Luther Loomis Place 
Joseph Pease recorded in his diary, "April 29th, 1790 Luther 
Loomis raised his house." which dates this house exactly. It is 
located on land that Col. Loomis had bought a few years before 
from Seth Austin. Col. Loomis was a man of importance in the 
town, merchant, and farmer, and largely interested in the Con- 
necticut Western Reserve. His house was fitting in every way 
for a man of his position. After his death it passed to his son, 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I/I 

Luther, who was also, a merchant and public servant, having 
held at one time or another all the offices in the gift of his town 
and served as judge of probate, member of the Connecticut 
House of Representatives for six years, and of Connecticut 
Senate for four years. In 1842, he was the candidate for Gover- 
nor of Connecticut on the Conservative Democratic party. 
Upon his death in 1866, the property passed to his son Judge 
William L. Loomis, who like his father and grand-father served 
his town in many capacities and especially as town clerk. 
It is to his untiring patience and devotion that the unusually 
excellent condition of our Town Records is due, for to them he 
gave many hours of loving care and work. He is still affection- 
ately remembered by all who knew him and his fame as a racon- 
teur still survives. At his death, the property passed to his wife 
and her sister. Miss Sophia Bissell, and upon Miss Bissell's death 
in 191 2 it was bought by Mr. Chas. L. Spencer and given to the 
Masonic bodies of Suffield for a home. By them it was loaned to 
the town as a Hostess House during the celebration. 

Old Granger Place 
The Granger genealogy says this house was built by Col. Za- 
dock Granger about 1780, but a close study of the records leads 
to the belief that it is about twenty years older. Robert Granger 
a blacksmith, lived on East Street as early as 1757, probably in 
the place now owned by John Zak. He sold the place illustrated 
herewith to his son Zadock in 1772, Zadock sold it to his brother 
Robert in 1776, and repurchased it from Robert in 1783. Col. 
Zadock Granger was a very active man and owned at various 
times besides his large farm, the Island, a part of the Oil Mill, 
and the saw mills at the mouth of Stony Brook. In 1798 he 
moved to Genesee, N. Y., and about that time sold this place to 
his nephew Thaddeus Granger, who resided here until his death 
in 1848. His son Hiram K. Granger sold this property to Amos 
and James Chapell in 1866, and they sold in 1902 to E. Clay- 
ton Holdridge, who kept it until 191 1 and then sold it to Chas. 
Lucas, the present owner. The house has one feature believed to 
be unique among Suffield houses — the large grain bins in the 
south front room on the second story. 



172 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



Timothy Swan House 

Six acres of the present "Mather Place" was the original 
grant to Thomas Huxley, Jr., and in the latter part of the eigh- 
teenth century was the home of Isaac Bissell who kept a black- 
smith shop there. In April, 1788, he sold his holdings to Benajah 
Kent (builder of the "Kent Place," now owned by S. K. Legare) 
and he sold them to Dr. Howard Alden in 1791. But in 1794 Dr. 
Alden built the house where Mrs. Edward A. Fuller lives, and 
sold this property to Timothy Swan who built the house and put 
the date, 1794, on the chimney. Timothy Swan in the intervals 
of writing hymns engaged in mercantile business with his brother- 
in-law, Ebenezer Gay, or at least with his backing, and the title 
was transferred back and forth for a decade or so, and eventually 
sold by Timothy Swan in 1807. The following transfers show 
its history and that it has been "The Mather Place" over eighty 
years: 1788, Isaac Bissell to Benajah Kent "with shop;" 1791, 
Benajah Kent to Dr. Howard Alden; 1794, Dr. Howard Alden 
to Timothy Swan; 1807, Timothy and Mary Gay Swan to John 
M. Garnett; 1819, John M.Garnett to Seth King, two and one- 
half acres and house; 1821, Seth King to Henry Loomis of New 
York City. Henry Loomis was living there in 1840 and paying 
interest to Elizabeth, widow of Capt. John Kent, from whom he 
had probably bought additional lands to the west, as the place 
contained twenty-five acres when deeded by Eliphalet Terry of 
Hartford and Harvey Bissell of Sufheld to Timothy Mather of 
Windsor from whom it has come down by inheritance to the 
present owner, Elizabeth B. Mather. 

Old Harmon Place 

In 1766 Silas Kent traded his place in West Suffield, near the 
foot of the mountain, with Ebenezer Harmon 2d, born 1727, who 
had lived near the cemetery, and this place became the home- 
stead of one branch of the Harmon family for over eighty years. 
Ebenezer was succeeded by his son Israel, born 1753, and he by 
his son Julius, born 1796. Julius died in 1842, leaving no male 
heirs, and in 1852 Silas Root, trustee under the will transferred 
the place to Artemus and Horace King. Later transfers were: 
Artemus to Horace A. King; 1906, Edward C. King (son of Hor- 




Lea\ilt Place, Built b}- Capl. Joseph Winchell Before 1742 (p. i/j) 




King Place, Built b\^ William King 1750 (p. 174) 




Grantrcr Place, lliiih hy Robert Grani:er i 7OO (p. iji) 




Harmon Place, Sold b\- Silas Kent to Ebenezer Harmon 1766 (p. 172) 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 173 



ace) to William H. Orr; 1906, William H. Orr to Joseph Abrano- 
vitch; 1906, Joseph Abranovitch to Julius Malinska. 

Capt. Medad Pomeroy Place 
This house appears to have been built on a different plan than 
any other house in Sufiield. The record of transfers follows: 1768, 
Phinehas Pomeroy to Medad Pomeroy for forty pounds, forty- 
five acres (no building mentioned); 1773, Medad Pomeroy to 
Charles Smith, with house; 1799, Stephen and Ruth Porter to 
Dan Sheldon; 1815, Charles Sheldon to Andrew Dennison (first 
Master of Apollo Lodge); 1828, Andrew and Susan Dennison to 
William H. Owen; 1836, William H. Owen's children to Reuben 
Loomis; 1849, Reuben Loomis quit-claimed to Isaac Wing, a 
cigar maker, who is buried in Suffield while his wife, Hannah 
Ladd, is buried in Franklin, Conn.; 1853, Isaac Wing to John 
Nooney; 1858, John Nooney to O. W. Kellogg; 1859, O. W. Kel- 
logg to Roswell Merriman; 1870, Roswell Merriman to Lucretia 
Merriman; 1904, Emerson A. Merriman to T. H. Smith. 

Old Leavitt Place 
This house was built before 1742, probably by Captain Joseph 
Winchell who died in 1742. The records show the following trans- 
fers; Samuel Granger to Asaph Leavitt, "The Home lot I now 
dwell on"; 1746, Asaph Leavitt to John Leavitt (married in 
1745) the above piece of property; 1752, Jonathan Leavitt to his 
brother John "the home lot where Captain Joseph Winchell 
lately lived, with Mansion house and barn thereon;" 1781 John 
Leavitt to son Joshua "Mansion house;" 1805, Joshua Leavitt 
to Joshua Leavitt, Jr.; 1820, Joshua Leavitt mortgaged to Lu- 
ther Loomis; 1826, Luther Loomis to Henry Wright, "The 
Joshua Leavitt Farm;" 1859, Halsey S. Wright, guardian, to 
Nathan Clark; 1886, The heirs of Nathan Clark to Fred Clark. 

House of Posthumous Sikes 
It is certain that Posthumous Sikes lived here as early as 1739. 
Victory Sikes mortgaged this land in 1717 and it is quite possible 
that this house is the house mentioned in that mortgage as its 
great chimney indicates it is one of the oldest houses in the town. 
The record of transfers follows : 1 759, a deed speaks of the " heirs 



174 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

of Posthumous Sikes;" 1780-1783, Shadrach Sikes bought out 
the other heirs of Posthumous; 181 1, Shadrach Sikes and his 
brother-in-law Hved there, DeHa Sikes to Jonathan Remington, 
2d; 1841, Jonathan Remington, 2d, to Deha Sikes; 1845, DeHa 
Sikes to Gramaliel Fuller; 1854, Luther H. Fuller to Lewis Z. 
Sikes; 1855, Lewis Z. Sikes to J. B. Vandelinda; 1863, John B. 
Vandelinda to M. A. Deming; 1864, Oscar and Mary Deming to 
George Williston; 1888, Estate of George Williston to Jewett 
Wright; 1889, Jewett Wright to G. H. Kent, 1910, George H. 
Kent Estate to F. S. Kent. 

The King Place 
This house, with its beautiful doorway, was built by Ensign 
William King about 1750 and remained in the direct line of the 
family until 1883. Ensign William King died in 1791 and was 
succeeded by his son Seth who died in 1846. The place passed to 
his son Deacon John A. King from whom it passed in 1869 to his 
daughters Martha and Jane, who sold it in 1883 to James O. 
Haskins the present owner. 

Gad Lane Tavern 
In a transfer of twenty-five acres by Jared Huxley to Samuel 
Lane in 1723, as given in Springfield Records (D.301), it is 
stated, "It lyeth on the west side of oynion gutter and on the 
west side of John Remington's land and bounded partly on the 
common." The same year James King transferred four acres 
on Fyler's brook to Samuel Lane. In 1725 John Lane transferred 
to Samuel Lane, Jr., "all my interest in my father's estate." In 
1727 the town laid out a wall by Samuel Lane's house "west 
from Fyler's brook." In 1765 Samuel Lane transferred to 
"Grandson Gad" forty acres south of the way to Westfield and 
west of Pine Plane brook." Later transfers: 1827, Gad Lane to 
Ashbel, his son; 1847, Ashbel Lane to William Pomeroy; 1848, 
William Pomeroy to Gibson Lewis and Joel Austin; 1849, Gib- 
son Lewis and Joel Austin to David Allen; 1888, David Allen to 
Amos Hunt; 1906, Amos Hunt et al to A. S. Kent; 1909, Albert 
S. Kent to A. H. Bridge. 

The Pool 
In 1807, Uriah Austin sold to Ebenezer King, Jr., and Fidelio 
King the "west part of my farm including the Pool." The pool 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 1/5 



referred to is a strong sulphur spring supposed to contain most 
efficient medicinal qualities. The Kings immediately built a 
large hotel on the property and for two or three years business was 
booming, but it soon fell off and the enterprise proved a failure. 
Ebenezer King lived here until his death in 1824 when the prop- 
erty fell to his daughter Arabella and her husband "Deacon Reu- 
ben Granger" who conducted a popular boys' school here for 
several years before the opening of the C. L. I. The record of 
transfers follows: 1853, Reuben and Arabella Granger sold it to 
Charles V.Dyer; 1855, Charles V.Dyer sold it toMatthewLaffin; 
1856, Matthew Laffin sold it to Jacob Loomis ; 1 860, Jacob Loomis 
sold it to Walter C. Holcomb; 1864, Walter C. Holcomb sold it 
to Alfred Spencer; 1892, Heirs of Alfred Spencer sold to Patrick 
Heavy. The old house was recently burned. 

Seih Axistin Tavern 
This large house was known throughout the nineteenth cen- 
tury as The Archer Place, having been the home of Thomas 
Archer and his family from 1 8 14 on. Just when it was built is 
uncertain, but it was built in two parts at different times and was 
a famous tavern throughout the Revolutionary period and ante- 
dates in part at least 1774. In 1723, the records show this land 
belonged to Richard Austin, Sr., son of Anthony, first school- 
master, and it evidently passed down through the family, for in 
1774 we find Richard's son Joseph, who had moved to Durham, 
Connecticut, deeding a half interest in the land and buildings to 
his nephew, Seth Austin, who owned and lived in the other half. 
Seth Austin was married in 1754, and it is quite likely that part 
of the house was built as early as that time. In 1809, her husband 
having died, Mrs. Seth Austin deeded the place to David King 
and Samuel Arnold and they deeded it in i8i4to ThomasArcher. 
It remained in the Archer family until 1900, when it was sold to 
Chas. L. Spencer; a part of the old house was destroyed and 
a part was moved to Bridge Street, east of the school house. 

Following is the full list of old houses and sites marked by the 
Historical Committee at the time of the celebration, arranged 
according to the streets or roads on which they are located, the 
names of the present owners being followed by the names of 
builders and the dates so far as available: 



176 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

High Street 
D. N. Carrington — built by Capt. Abraham Burbank, 1736. 
Mrs. Osborne and Mrs. HoUey — built by Ebenezer Gay, 1742. 
Ralph Raisbeck — lived in by Jonathan Rising, Jr., 1749. 
Louis Grabouski — lived in by Jonathan Rising, Jr., 1750. 
K. C. Kulle — lived in by Josiah King, Jr., 1762. 
S. R. Spencer — built by Dr. Alexander King, 1764. 
W. S. Fuller — built by Lieut. Eliphalet King about 1765. 
Mrs. L. L Fuller— built by Moses Rowe, 1767. 
Mrs. G. A. Harmon — built by Squire Thaddeus Leavitt, 1773, 
Mrs. C. C. Bissell — lived in by Ebenezer Hatheway, 1779. 
C. C. Austin — built by Shadrach Trumbull, 1779. 

C. A. Prout— built by Elihu Kent, 1782-1810. 
Mrs. J. O. Armour— built by David Tod, 1773-95- 
Miss Atwater — built by James Hall, 1786. 

Masonic Club — "raised" by Luther Loomis, April 29, 1790. 
Mrs. E. B. Mather — built by Timothy Swan 1794. 
Mrs. E. A. Fuller— built by Dr. Howard Alden, 1794. 

D. R. Kennedy, Jr.— built by Ebenezer King, Jr., 1795. 

Mrs. James H. Prophet— built by Captain Timothy Phelps, 1795. 
T. C. Austin Sons — built by Nathaniel and Thomas Austin, 1797. 
Mrs. A. R. Pierce — built by Thaddeus Leavitt, Jr., 1800. 
A. F. Warner — lived in by Elihu Kent about 1800. 
George Nichols — built by Ebenezer Nichols, 1806. 
T. F. Cavanaugh — built by Harvey Bissell about 1815. 
J. H. Norton and S. C. Loomis— built by Daniel Norton, 18 14. 
W. E. Caldwell— built by Dr. Asaph Bissell, 1823. 
C. S. Fuller— built by Charles Shepard, 1824. 
A. F. Warner — built by Hezekiah Spencer, 1824. 
Suffield School— home lot of Gideon Granger, Sr. and Jr., 1786- 
1817. 

Boston Neck 
Miss Flannigan — built by Jacob Hatheway about 1747. 

E. A. Hatheway — built by Charles Hatheway, 1760. 
William Morron — built by John McMorron, 1760, and moved 

here about 1 8 10 from Babylon Road. 

F. W. Brown — built by John Rising, 1765. 

H. S. Cowles Estate— built by Asa Tucker, 1765-74- 

Thomas Burke— built by William Beckwith, 1784. 

Philip Schwartz — built by John Dewey, about 1800. 

E. C. Seymour— built by Jabez Heath, 1805. 

Harvey Fuller — moved here by Mrs. Deborah Morron about 1 8 10. 

A. A. Brown — built by Salmon Ensign, 1812-15. 

G. W. Phelps— built by Henry Pease about 1825. 
Harvey Fuller— site of the old Oil Mill, 1785-1828. 
Philip Schwartz — site of the corn mill, 1687. 




House Built by Joseph Pease 1760; Taken Down 1902 (p. 167) 




Scih Austin Tavern (Aiclu-r Place), Taken Down 1899 (p. 175) 




Capt. Mcdad Ponieroy Place, Biiill About 1770 (p. 173) 







Luther Loomis Place, Raised April 29, 1790 (p. 170) 




Timothy Swan House, Built 1794 (p. 172) 




Gay Mansion, lUiilt by I'.bcncztT king, Jr., 1795 (p. 170J 





Two Corners in Parlor of Ga\' Mansion 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW Y'JJ 

Feather Street 

John Zak — lived in by William Austin, 1757. 
Charles Lucas — built by Robert Granger, about 1760. 
Thomas F. Devine — built by Samuel Halladay, 1765. 
Patrick Quinn — lived in by Horace King, 1774. 
Frank Brewster — built by Joshua Kendall, 1799. 
Stanley Kement — built by John King about 1805. 

Crooked Lane 

Fred Kent — lived in by Posthumous Sikes, 1739. 

Fred Clark Estate — built by Joseph Winchell before 1742. 

B. A. Thompson — built by Joseph King 3d, 1769. 
Kirk Jones — lived in by Zebulon Adams, 1773. 
Henry Fuller — built by Zeno Terry, 1783-7. 
Henry Phillips — built by Thaddeus Sikes, 1809. 

South Street 

Mrs. C. C. Bissell — built by Jonathan Fowler, 1723. 
Edward Welch — built by Ensign Samuel Spencer about 1770. 
Hugh Scott — built by Asa Rising, 1791. 
John Cain — site of middle iron works, 1720. 

Sheldon Street 

C. Michel — built by Capt. 'Jonathan Sheldon, 1723. 

O. R. Sheldon — built by Squire Phinehas Sheldon, 1743. 
Mrs, J. O. Armour — built by Martin Sheldon, 1789. 
J. J. Devine — built by Cephas Harmon about 1790. 
H. A. Sheldon — built by Erastus Sheldon, 1795. 
C. B. Sheldon — built by Benjamin Sheldon, 1806. 

North Grand Street 
S. L. Wood — built by Freegrace Norton about 1725. 
John H. Gregg — lived in by Moses Spear about 1750. 
F. S. Briggs — built by David Hanchett, 1765. 
Arthur Taylor — built by Capt. Isaac Pomeroy, 1769-73, 

South Grand Street 

George A, Sheldon — built by Sylvanus Griswold, 1763. 
P. D. Lillie — lived in by Gideon King, 1767. 
Michael Zukowski — built by Hezekiah Lewis, 1781. 
George Sheldon — site of west iron works, 1722. 

North Street 
J. O. Haskins — built by William King about 1750. 
E, H, Halladay — built by Jonathan Underwood, 1768-77. 
E, N, Stratton — built by Simon Kendall, Jr., 1809. 



lyS SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

Halladay Avenue 

A. H. Bridge — built by Samuel Lane by 1726. 
George A. Kent — lived in by Seth Kent, 1762. 
Howard Halladay — lived in by Jeremiah Granger, 1772. 
George F. King — built by Thaddeus King, 1774. 

West Suffield Road 

Guisepi Romano — built by Victory Sikes, 1728. 
M. H. Kent Estate — built by Asa Remington by 1800. 
Mrs. Anna Roche — built by Deacon Reuben Parsons, 1767. 
T. Harvey Smith — built by Capt. Medad Pomeroy about 1770. 
C. H. Nelson — built probably by Gideon King about 1797. 

A. G. Bissell— built by Capt. Oliver Hanchett, 1798. 
S. K. Legare — built by Benajah Kent, 1800. 

Mrs. C. F. Whittemore — built by Barlow Rose, 18 16. 

Hill Street 

N. R. Lewis — built by Daniel Remington about 1750. 
H. E. Hastings — built by Samuel Phelps, 1768-71. 
Timothy Miskell — built by Gurdon Grosvenor, 1818. 
G. A. Peckham — built by Warren Lewis, 1824. 

Taintor Hill 

B. M. Gillett — built by Ebenezer Smith about 1724, 

J. R. Granger Estate — built by Capt. John Granger, 1728. 

Prospect Street 

Alfred Spencer Co. — built by Daniel Spencer, 1726-47. 
John Matyskiela — built by Squire Samuel Hale, 1768. 

Rising Corners 
L. F. Hart — built by Aaron Rising about 1750. 

Foot of the Mountain 

Mrs Sophie Milski — sold by Silas Kent to Ebenezer Harmon 

1766 
William Kurias — built by Horatio King 1812 

Over the Mountain 

Samuel A. Graham — built by Judah Phelps about 1790 
American Sumatra Co. — built by Dan Phelps about 1780 

Old Factory Road 
Joseph BeloskI — site of the fulling mill 1710 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 179 



Turnpikes and Taverns 

As early certainly as the first settlement in the Connecticut 
valley two important thoroughfares met near Stony Brook, 
not far from the upper end of South Street. At first only paths 
or trails and passable only for men and horses, they were after- 
wards made feasible for carts and still later for stages. South 
Street was the road up from the Windsor settlement, and at 
Stony Brook one road led on through what is now Remington 
Street and the Hill road to Westfield, whence ran a road to North- 
hampton, and another over the hills to the Hudson and Albany. 
The other road, branching from the junction at Stony Brook, 
followed the present course of Main Street and Crooked Lane to 
Springfield and was the course taken to Boston. Both these 
roads were laid out as public highways by Hampshire County 
about six years before the settlement of Suflfield. For one hun- 
dred and fifty years these turnpikes passing through Suffield 
were main lines of travel, first by horseback and later by stage, 
and especially that between New York and Boston. 

The old taverns were a natural and essential development from 
this travel and other conditions, and were not merely the stop- 
ping places for travelers, but served as community centers and 
for receiving and despatching the mails. 

Tavern proprietors were men of prominence in both town and 
church with few exceptions. To run a tavern successfully for a 
series of years was]a certain means of promotion in social rank. 
A study of the old deeds shows that innkeepers progressed 
rapidly to the rank of gentlemen and were often among the first 
considered in the difficult task of seating in the Meeting House. 
At one period it is tradition that there were twelve thriving 
taverns in Suffield. The following is a typical form of early 
license by the Hampshire County Court: "George Norton is 
Lycenced to keep a publique house of Entertainment within 
ye town of Sufiield & to sell Lyquors to travelers, he keeping 
good order in his house and doing sd work faithefuUy & with- 
out offence." 

George Norton who came from Ipswich in 1674 was one of the 
early innkeepers. He was a freeman in 168 1, selectman and the 



l80 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

first representative from Suffield to the General Court at Boston, 
He died in 1693 but the Hampshire County records show that 
the license was issued regularly to his widow, Mercy Norton, 
who did not die until 1725. George Norton's original allotment 
was on the west side of High Street opposite the Boston Neck 
road, and may have been the site of his tavern. 

Thomas Huxley, who came to Suffield in 1678, was licensed 
to keep a public house in 1686, and it was situated for a long 
period where the house recently known as the Thaddeus Spencer 
place stands. He was one of the first freemen, and held many 
important town offices including that of selectman. 

Captain Aaron Hitchcock was an innkeeper and for half a cen- 
tury a prominent man in the town — town clerk for thirteen years 
and town treasurer for twenty years. Gad Lane's tavern was a 
prominent one of its day and is illustrated among the old houses. 
A notable one in the Revolutionary period was that of Seth 
Austin in what was later known as the Archer place (also il- 
lustrated). Eliphalet King kept a tavern in the house now owned 
by William S. Fuller, and the Pease tavern at one time was 
prominent. The house on Feather Street at the corner of the 
road formerly leading to Enfield bridge — later known as the 
Napoleon Adams place and the home of the late Willis Adams, 
the artist — was a tavern for a considerable period. 

With the coming of the railroads the long era of tavern and 
turnpike was doomed. From the old roads that had held Suffield 
in the channel of through travel the stage coaches and the lum- 
bering carts and wagons carrying merchandise up and down the 
valley disappeared, while the taverns, losing their outside pat- 
ronage, rapidly declined and in time either went out of business 
or changed their characters. A stage was run to and from Wind- 
sor Locks regularly, and for a considerable period Wilkes Tavern 
was a prominent landmark on the north corner of Day Avenue, 
but the building was many years ago removed to Depot Street 
where, as the Bee Hive, it had a varied career, until burned 
about ten years ago. The Suffield House which Samuel Knox 
bought, together with the Windsor Locks stage line, when he 
came to Suffield in 1866, and which for many years was con- 
ducted by his sons Waldo and Wallace, is the sole survivor in 
Suffield of tavern days. 




Dining Room in Gay Mansion 




A Bed Room in Gav Mansion 




lall in Ga\- Mansion 




The Pool, Built by Ebenezer King, Jr., About 1808 (p. 174) 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW l8l 



Crooked Lane 
Contrary to what many may suppose, the old Springfield 
Road gained its ancient name of Crooked Lane, not because of 
its own deviations from a straight course, but from the sharp 
bend in the cross road to Halladay Corner. October lo, 1680 
the committee for settling the town of Suffield granted allot- 
ments for homesteads "beyond or at the upper end of High 
Street" to Victory Sikes, Thomas Cooper, Luke Hitchcock, 
John Barber, James, Jonathan and Samuel Taylor and William 
and Ebenezer Brooks. The tract lay between upper High Street 
on the west and the Springfield Road on the east, and just north 
of a grant already made to David Froe. There was to be a high- 
way on the south between them "ten or twelve rods wide." 
But in 1684 the town voted "seven rods wide out of it to be 
given to David Froe on the south." This left the road a mere lane 
or "driftway". Mr. Sheldon found no record that the town ever 
laid it out as a highway. 

This lane had an "elbow or crook about the middle or where 
the brook runs through" and the lots conforming therewith were 
correspondingly crooked. This fact was not mentioned in the 
first records leaving only straight lines to be inferred. To remedy 
this omission and "lest any of the present proprietors, or any 
of their heirs or successors in after generations should, out of a 
cross humor or for some sinister end, call or challenge a straight 
line which could not be denied, for both law and reason would 
enforce the same, where nothing in the record or otherwise is 
exprest to the contrary," the proprietors made, signed and had 
recorded an agreement April 19, 1697 that "all the lots should 
run with an elbow or crook as it now does" and "so to continue 
from one generation to another forever." 

These lots became known as the Crooked Lane lots, and 
Crooked Lane soon supplanted the "Springfield Road." Its 
ancient and honorable name held sway for about two hundred 
years, or until some twenty years ago when the question of a 
branch postoffice arose, and the name Crooked Lane did not 
conform to the regulations of the United States postoffice de- 
partment for postoffices. With some regrets and against the 
protests of many, the name was changed to Mapleton. The 



l82 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

postoffice was conducted only a few years at the home of Arthur 
Sikes, when rural free delivery routes were established. 

The Postoffice 

For over a century the taverns were the postofhces of the old 
towns and Suffield was no exception. This was a natural devel- 
opment of the practice originating at the ports of taking the 
incoming ship's mail to a specified tavern where it was spread 
out on a table to be called for. As the settlements extended into 
the Connecticut valley, the taverns became the stopping places 
of the early post riders and so continued long after the stage 
lines were established. At about the time of the settlement of 
Suffield, the Colonial Government of New York established a 
monthly mail to Boston and some thirty years later this was 
changed to a fortnightly service, the messengers meeting alter- 
nately at Hartford and Saybrook. The former route passed 
through Suffield. 

When in 1753 Benjamin Franklin became Deputy Post- 
master General of the colonies by the King's appointment he 
proceeded to systematize the routes, and it is said that he 
personally went over the main routes. The tradition that in that 
year he went over the route through Suffield is undoubtedly 
correct. He records the fact that on this journey Yale first and 
then Harvard gave him the degree of master of arts. Forty 
years afterward Congress passed its first act for the Federal ad- 
ministration of postoffices and the records show that the post- 
office at Suflfield began to make quarterly returns on October 
I, 1796. Hezekiah Huntington was the first postmaster of record. 

The succession of Suffield postmasters to the present time has 
been as follows: Hezekiah Huntington, 1796-8; William Gay, 
1798-1835; Odiah L. Sheldon, 1835-41; Horace Sheldon 2d, 
1841-2; George A. Loomis, 1842-50; Samuel B. Low, 1850-53; 
George Williston, 1853-61; David Hale, 1861-9; Richard Jobes, 
1869-70; Edward E. Nichols, 1870-72; Miss M. Maria Nichols, 
1872-4; Miss Ella S. Nichols, 1874-81; Frank H. Reid, 1881-5; 
Alonzo C. Allen, 1885-91; Richard Jobes, 1891-08; Edmund 
Halladay, 1908-13. Edward Perkins, the present postmaster, 
was appointed May 20, 1913. The rural free delivery route No. I 
was established December 15, 1900; No. 2, October 15, 1901. 
Village delivery was established April 16, 1918. 



CIVIL WAR DAYS AND SINCE 

At certain periods events or conditions of trade or industry 
have produced changes in the population of Suffield, but for 
about one hundred years after the settlement, nearly the whole 
growing population was embraced by the family names of the first 
settlers or proprietors. Families were large, cousins and second 
cousins multiplied, and the children so intermarried that by the 
time of the Revolution the blood of the proprietors mingled m 
most of the population. More than eighty per cent of the young 
men enlisted in the French and Indian wars bore the old family 
names. There were new names in the army rolls of the Revolu- 
tion, but they were in the minority and in the main were the 
names of families that had soon followed the first settlers to the 
town. For a period after the Revolution, it is probable that the 
industrial enterprises— the iron works, cotton and other mills 
—brought in new families, but in about the same period branches 
of the old Suffield families were established in other places. The 
speculative land fever took many to western New York, Ohio, 
Indiana and later to Michigan and other future States. 

In 1786 Connecticut ceded to the United States all her rights 
and title within her ancient charter limits, and in this first set- 
tlement received a tract of land of about 3,600,000 acres in the 
northeastern part of the Ohio territory known as 'the Connecti- 
cut Reserve. In May 1795 the Connecticut Legislature appointed 
a committee of eight persons to make sale of the lands, and to 
appropriate the proceeds to a permanent fund, the interest of 
which should be annually distributed among the several school 
societies of the State. Two of the committee, Samuel Hale and 
Gideon Granger Jr., were Suffield men. In December of the 
same year this committee disposed of the tract to Oliver Phelps, 
as agent for the Connecticut Land company, for the sum of 
$1,200,000, payable in five years with annual interest after two 
years. ' Oliver Phelps, who was born in 1749, had been engaged 
in business in Suffield and Granville, Mass., and had acquired a 
considerable fortune. He had already been engaged in extensive 
land speculations in the West, having been a partner in the pur- 



184 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

chase from Massachusetts of about two miUion acres of land 
now comprised in Ontario and Steuben counties, N. Y. This had 
been a profitable speculation apparently and genealogical re- 
cords show that several Suffield people moved to this region. 
Besides the towns of Phelps and Granger, Ontario county has 
several towns duplicating Hartford county names 

The other Suffield men interested with Phelps in the purchase 
of the Western Reserve lands were Gideon Granger, Jr., Luther 
Loomis, Ebenezer King, David King, Asahel Hatheway, and 
Sylvanus Griswold. Their aggregate share in the purchase was 
$330,916 and of this it is said that Oliver Phelps had something 
more than one-half, and Ebenezer King and Luther Loomis 
together about one-quarter. It proved an unfortunate specula- 
tion for those who remained in it. Ohio established a territorial 
government in 1800 and Connecticut ceded her rights. None of 
the Suffield members of the company settled in the reserve ex- 
cept possibly David King. Oliver Phelps sold the Burbank place 
to Asahel Hatheway, and Ebenezer King his new mansion to 
William Gay and both moved to Canandaigua in Ontario county 
N. Y. 

A fewyears later, in the early part of the last century, came the 
change that ever since has much affected the population of the 
town — the development of the tobacco and cigar industry. As 
elsewhere stated the cigar industry came first and brought in 
several families of prominence. 

It was a strong body of men, many of them descendents of old 
families that led in the affairs of the town at the period of the 
Bi-centennial Celebration. Most of them had been born near 
the beginning of the century and had actively participated in the 
material advancement of the town during the years before the 
war and had been the leaders in town affairs in the trying period 
of war and reconstruction. Some of them have been mentioned 
elsewhere in connection with the institutions or enterprises of 
the town. Some of them, already advanced in years died soon 
after the celebration, while others younger became the men of 
influence in the seventies and eighties. 

The committee chosen by the town to inaugurate the celebra- 
tion was a representative list of the leading citizens of that gen- 
eration. It consisted of Daniel W. Norton, Simon B. Kendall, 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 185 



Samuel Austin, Gad Sheldon, Elihu S. Taylor, Henry Fuller, 
Albert Austin, William L. Loomis, Milton Hatheway, Dr. Aretas 
Rising, Edward P. Stevens, George Fuller, Hezekiah Spencer, 
Artemas King, Henry P. Kent, Byron Loomis, Thaddeus H. 
Spencer, George A. Douglass, Silas W. Clark, Hezekiah S. Shel- 
don, Hiram K. Granger, Thomas J. Austin, Alfred Spencer, 
James B. Rose, Warren Lewis, Nathan Clark, L. Z. Sykes, Julius 
Harmon, Burdett Loomis, L Luther Spencer, Benjamin F. 
Hastings, Frank P. Loomis, Charles A. Chapman, William E. 
Harmon, Horace K. Ford, Ralph P. Mather, John M. Hatheway 
and Henry M. Sykes. 

About the middle of the century the change in agricultural 
conditions through the development of Connecticut seed leaf 
for cigar wrappers had brought in farm labor that later estab- 
lished prominent Catholic families in town. Among these men 
were Timothy Miskell, Patrick and John Haley, John Gilligan, 
John F. Barnett, Patrick O'Brien, John Welch, Patrick Carroll, 
John Sliney, Edward Cooney, Patrick Devine. Joseph Roche, 
Peter Shea, John Dineen and Robert Obram. 

From the forties, when Orrin Haskins and Silas W. Clark came 
from Washington, Mass., the town for a period of thirty years 
gained many substantial families through men of old New Eng- 
land stock whose ancestors had early established themselves 
on the post roads of the hill towns of Western Massachusetts — • 
towns that with the coming of the railroads began to lose their 
old advantages and importance. Following Silas Clark, came 
his brother Nathan, William and Ebenezer Ballantine, Edwin A. 
andAlmon Russell, Franklin and Benajah Brockett, Henry D. 
Tinker, Samuel and Hiram Knox, William and Abel Peckham, 
James and H. K. Spellman, Amos and James Chapell, 
William Soper and Clark Corey, all of whom purchased old 
Suffield farms. Leverett Sackett purchased the property 
north of the Town Hall, and his son Horace conducted 
a general store there for many years. The Graves brothers came 
from Middlefield, and for a long period conducted the meat 
business of the town. Albert Pierce came from Vermont and 
purchased the Thaddeus Leavitt, Jr., place from Albert Austin. 
Asa L. Strong came to SufBeld from Northampton in 1871 and 
established a drug store, located at first next to the postoffice 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



and where Martinez' store now is, but he moved to the Loomis 
block, now the Cooper block, in 1876. He conducted the local 
pharmacy for over forty years. 

Warren W. Cooper first came to Suffield in 1857 and drove the 
stage from Suffield to Windsor Locks. He went west for a period 
and returning to Sufiield established a coal business in 1874 and 
gradually extended it into a general business, later acquired by 
Clinton and Samuel R. Spencer and now conducted by Spencer 
Brothers, Inc. 

Early in the seventies a group of Irish Protestant families 
came to Suffield and later acquired some of the fine old farms of 
the town — the Barrs, Colters, Grahams, McCarls, Orrs, Adam- 
ses, Firtions, Barriesfords and others. 

The considerable extension of tobacco acreage in the nineties 
creating a larger demand for labor was coincident with a large 
immigration to this country from Central Europe and particu- 
larly from Poland. The Poles quickly became the chief reliance 
for farm help. Industrious and in the main thrifty, they soon 
began to acquire good tobacco farms and in a period of little 
more than twenty-five years they have become 25 per cent, of 
the population. 

Tobacco 

Though some tobacco was raised by the planters of the Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut colonies, it was mainly in small 
patches and for their own use. From time to time both colonies 
passed restrictive laws and it was not an extensive crop in 
Suffield until the nineteenth century. Whenever in the earlier 
period the town by vote established the prices at which farm 
products should be received as town pay, tobacco was not in- 
cluded. 

The cigar industry began in Suffield before extensive tobacco 
growing. Soon after the peace of 1783 cigars began to be im- 
ported from the West Indies. Suffield was probably the first 
town in New England to make cigars — certainly to any great 
extent. In 1810 Simeon Veits, who lived in West Suffield, began 
to employ and to teach women to roll cigars for sale. He hired a 
Cuban, who seems to have drifted into town, to instruct them 
n the art. Some native but mostly cheaper kinds of Cuban 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 187 



tobacco was used. Veits continued to employ women and to 
send out peddlers to sell "the real Spanish cigars" until 1821, 
when he failed and some years later, 1838, died penniless, though 
he had established an industry. 

Among the first peddlers he employed were the Loomis 
brothers — James, Parks, Allen, Neland, Aaron and Wells — who 
soon after his failure began manufacturing cigars and laid the 
foundation for ample fortunes. Between 1821 and 183 1 other 
Suffield men embarked in the enterprise; among them were 
Jabez Heath, Henry P. Kent, Moses, Samuel and Homer Austin, 
and Robert B. Dennison. Within this period the art of making 
cigars was so generally acquired and the demand for the product 
so great that the spinning wheel, the loom and the dairy gave 
place to the cigar table and the cuttingboard. From 1830 to 
1850 a large number of the families of Suffield depended upon 
cigars or "supes" made by deft fingers of their own household 
for their store supplies. Most of the merchants were glad to ex- 
change their goods for cigars at from $1 to $1.50 a thousand. 
At that time the Connecticut tobacco from which they were 
generally made was not marketable for any other purpose. It 
was customary to strip off the bottom leaves for cigars as soon 
as tobacco began to cure on the poles, but the art of sweating, 
packing and pressing was unknown or unpracticed. When this 
change was made, shortly before the Civil War, it worked a revo- 
lution in the industry and made Connecticut Seed Leaf the finest 
tobacco then known for wrappers. It became too valuable to 
work up into the old "supes" and this branch of female industry 
was abandoned. 

The pioneers in this change were Henry P. Kent and Henry 
Endress. The latter came to SuflBeld in 1827 and went to work 
making cigars for Preserved Allen. In giving his recollections 
some years ago to Mr. H. S. Sheldon he said that Connecticut 
tobacco was not used to any extent to make good cigars till 1845. 
A man by the name of Phelps in Warehouse Point first began 
packing it in boxes, sometime in the thirties, but Cuban tobacco 
held its own some years longer. 

Notes left by Mr. Sheldon for the decades from 1850 to 1870 
indicate that the value of the tobacco crop in 1850 put in cases 
was not more than $33,000, while the value of the cigars manu- 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



factured in town totaled ^165,000. The different manufacturers 
employed 152 men and 80 women. In the order of the volume of 
business the principal manufacturers at that time were Samuel 
Austin, Henry P. Kent, Samuel N. Reid, H. A. & R. Loomis, 
Charles Mather, Aaron Loomis, William H. Hanchett, Henry 
Endress, Neland Loomis, and John W. Loomis. The annual 
output of these factories was 11,340,000 cigars, while eleven 
other smaller manufacturers produced 3,142,000, the total being 
14,482,000. They used about one pound of Connecticut Seed 
to five pounds of Spanish or Cuban tobacco. 

The value of the cigar product increased steadily for the next 
twenty years and the growth of Connecticut Seed in town ap- 
pears to have increased from about 109,000 pounds in 1850 to 
720,000 pounds in 1870, while the value of the cigar product rose 
to nearly $300,000 a year. At that time most of the pioneers had 
gone out of business. J. W. Loomis was then the largest manu- 
facturer and among the new names were Joseph Wallace, Robert 
F. Brome, Philip Lipps, William R. Cherry, Benjamin Wood, 
Richard Jobes, Austin & Burbank, B. F. Hastings, C. L. 
Humason, and Andrew Martinez. Later William Drake es- 
tablished an extensive manufacturing business, afterwards con- 
ducted by L. P. Bissell, and at his death acquired by Karl C. 
Kulle. 

By 1870 the cigar industry in other places had had an exten- 
sive growth and a large market for Connecticut Seed developed 
in New York. There were about 300 growers in town, the acre- 
age of each being small. The farmers usually assorted their own 
crops into wrappers, seconds and fillers, and wrappers usually 
commanded about forty cents a pound. 

In the next decade, or along in the eighties, the practice of 
growing Havana Seed developed, and the cultivation of Connec- 
ticut Seed in Suffield practically ceased for a period. At about 
the same time methods of cultivation changed, mechanical 
planters took the place of the old hand planting, lath took the 
place of twine and the acreage increased, though the weight per 
acre decreased with the lighter leaf. As a result the large dealers 
began to establish packing houses in the town and the leaf, 
bought unsorted, was more thoroughly graded by length and 
color. These and other changes including a large increase in 



,o g 




SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



acreage have taken place in the last forty years and more re- 
cently the development of large plantations controlled by syn- 
dicates or stock companies and raising large acreage under cloth. 
In all these changes the pre-eminence of Suflield leaf for cigar 
manufacture has been maintained. 

Suffield in the Wars 

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Suflield numbered 3260 in- 
habitants. About 350 were between the ages of eighteen and 
forty-five, subject to military duty, and the names of two hun- 
dred and eighty-six are on the honor roll. Three companies were 
recruited at.Suffield. The first in response to the call of the Presi- 
dent in April, 1861, was mustered into the service as Company 
C, Fourth Regiment, Connecticut Infantry, May 23, 1861. This 
regiment was changed June 2, 1862, to First Regiment Connec- 
ticut Heavy Artillery, and ranked as the best in the field. Forty- 
eight men, most of them residents of the town, were accredited to 
Suffield. Thirty-two served three years. Twelve of these re-en- 
listed as veterans, and served through the war, with the excep- 
tion of Eben P. Hall, who died of his wounds July 12, 1865. 
Their names were: Charles G. Ball, Eben P. Hall, Ezra W. Bar- 
num, Heman A. Cone, John Galvin, John P. Rheim, Joseph 
Walker, Justus Vogt, Oscar H. Graham, Peter M. Hall, William 
H. Proctor, William H. Ramsdell. Captain Rolland S. Burbank 
commanded the company from its organization, until his resigna- 
tion, Feb. 2, 1863. Willis A. Pomeroy was his First Lieutenant, 
but soon resigned. William Soby, his Second Lieutenant, also 
resigned and re-enlisted in the Seventh Connecticut (General 
Hawley's regiment). He was wounded at Pocotaligo, and died 
of his wounds, Nov. 9, 1862. 

The second company recruited in Suffield was Company D, 
Sixteenth Regiment Connecticut Infantry, in July and August, 
1862, for three years' service. Sixty-four men of this company 
were accredited to Suffield. This company of raw recruits left 
the State August 29, 1862, and within twenty days were thrust 
into the front of the fight in the battle of Antietam, at Sharps- 
burg, Md. Four— Horace Warner, George W. Allen, Henry 
Barnett, Nelson E. Snow, — were killed in battle; three — Joseph 



19° SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



Pockett, David B. Carrier, John B. Letcher — died of wounds; 
eight were wounded and discharged; three — FrankHn Allen, 
John L. Winchell, Joseph Hoskins — died in Andersonville 
prison; two — Orlando E. Snow, George J. Pierce — died at Flor- 
ence, S. C; George W. Carter was drowned and Daniel Bont died 
of disease. 

The third conpany was Company G, Twenty-second Regiment 
Connecticut Infantry recruited, in September, 1862. This was 
the first regiment in Connecticut, recruited for nine months 
service. The company numbered ninety-five men. Seventy-two 
were accredited to Suffield, and the remainder to the town of 
Union. The company was mustered out July 7, 1863, at Hart- 
ford, after more than ten months' service from the date of its 
enlistment. 

The town furnished thirty-seven men to the Twenty-ninth 
Regiment (colored). They were recruited chiefly in December, 
1863. They were mustered into the United States service March 
8, 1864, and discharged at Hartford, Nov. 25, 1865, with a most 
honorable record. On the morning of April 3, 1865, when Rich- 
mond was abandoned by Lee's forces, a strife to be the first to 
enter the city took place. That honor was conceded to have be- 
longed to Companies C and G of the Twenty-ninth Connecticut 
Regiment. Twelve Suffield recruits were in Company C and 
shared in that honor. The remainder of Suffield's quota were 
enrolled in other regiments. Twenty-two names are found in the 
roll of the Seventh Connecticut Regiment. Of these, Luther L. 
Archer was wounded at Fort Wagner, and William M. Reeves 
and Oscar L. Smith were killed July 11, 1863. 

The Soldiers Monument 

The first effort to erect a monument to the soldiers of the Civil 
War was in the annual town meeting October 2, 1865 and a com- 
mittee was appointed to secure estimates. It reported in Novem- 
ber that it would cost $2000 and an appropriation was made 
but the effort failed, and in February 1866 the appropriation 
was rescinded and the committee discharged. 

During the years following there was always a strong senti- 
ment for a monument, but it did not take shape until November 
2, 1887, when, at a special town meeting, $3000 was unanimously 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW IQI 



voted for a monument to the soldiers of the Civil War. Com- 
mittees were appointed and the granite monument was erected 
on the Common nearly opposite the Town Hall and dedicated 
October 17, 1888 with impressive ceremonies, participated in by 
veterans of the regiments in which the Suffield men served. The 
Twenty-Second Regiment and Veteran Posts held their reunion 
at the Town Hall at ii o'clock, and at noon were escorted by 
the Sons of Veterans to the monument. Dr. Matthew T. Newton, 
as president of the day, delivered an address of welcome and the 
report of the Monument Committee, consisting of Hezekiah S. 
Sheldon, William H. Fuller and John M. Hatheway, was read; 
The oration was delivered by Hon. Valentine B. Chamberlain 
of New Britain. 

The vice presidents of the day were Hezekiah S. Sheldon, Wil- 
liam H. Fuller, I. Luther Spencer, Silas W. Clark, Martin J. Shel- 
don, Dr. J. K. Mason, Edmund Halladay, C. M. Owen, William 
L. Loomis, J. H. Haskins, F. B. Hatheway, R. P. Mather, Alfred 
Spencer, Charles C. Sheldon, H. K. Wright, W. W. Pease, 
Horace K. Ford, Charles C. Warner, Edwin A. Russell and Sam- 
uel White. The reception committee consisted of M. H. Smith, 
Alfred Spencer, Jr., L. P. Bissell, James O. Haskins, Calvin C. 
Spencer, F. E. Hastings, C. D. Towne, T. H. Spencer, W. F. 
Fuller, Richard Jobes, J. R. Middlebrook, Charles L. Spencer, 

E. D. Bemis, Nelson Cole, Warren W. Cooper, A. L. Strong, 

F. H. Reid, John L. Wilson, D. A. Reeves and Henry Blackmer. 
The veterans of the Grand Army residing in Suffield organized 

a Suffield Veteran's Association which has annually taken charge 
of the decoration of soldiers' graves on Decoration Day. Only five 
of the members are now living — Francis E. Hastings, Luther 
Curtis, A. R. Austin, F. O. Newton and H. W. Gridley. 

Red Cross Chapter 
Suffield's large contribution to the ranks of national enlist- 
ment and draft in the World War appears from the honor roll, 
but virtually the whole adult population was enlisted in the con- 
tingent services for the support of the Government, the comfort 
of the soldiers and the relief of the distressed in Europe. In 
different drives large sums were raised for the Red Cross, War 
Library, Salvation Army and the United War Work. The ag- 



192 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

gregate of $1,139,250 was subscribed for the four great bond 
issues and the town purchased about $56,000 worth of War 
Savings Stamps. Shortly after the armstice the town gave a Wel- 
come Home with a dinner at the Suffield School gymnasium for 
the soldiers and sailors and their families and a free conveyance 
for a theatre party at Springfield. 

In connection with Suffield's energetic war work, the Ameri- 
can Red Cross workers organized a local chapter in 1917 with 
Mrs. Samuel R. Spencer, chairman; Mrs, George A. Harmon, 
vice chairman; Miss A. F. Owen, secretary and George A. Har- 
mon, treasurer. Judge William M. Cooper gave the chapter 
quarters rent free during the war. This organization of SufBeld 
women completed and delivered to the Hartford chapter 5,400 
articles between February 21, 1917, and May, 1919. Through- 
out this period knitting was constantly done, and over one 
thousand pounds of yarn was used up. This does not include the 
comfort bags made and sent regularly to Hartford, nor the out- 
fitting of Suffield men in the service. There was also sent for the 
Belgian refugees 2,500 pounds of clothing in 1918 and five cases 
of garments in 1919. The Committee of Civilian Relief of the 
Red Cross consisted of George A. Peckham, Karl C. KuUe, W. 
S. Fuller, A. C. Scott, Mrs. D. W. Goodale, W. H. Orr and Mrs. 
J. N. Root. The Chapter maintains its activity in necessary Red 
Cross work and in the relief of any cases of distress in the town. 

Banks 

A meeting of the subscribers to stock for a national bank to 
be located in Suffield was held in Union Hall June 28, 1864 and 
the following eleven directors were chosen: Daniel W. Norton, 
Henry Fuller, Martin J. Sheldon, Henry Endress, Byron Loomis, 
Henry P. Kent, I. Luther Spencer, Aretas Rising, Wm. L. 
Loomis, Burdett Loomis, Wm. H. Fuller. 

They met the next day in the same place and elected Daniel 
W. Norton president, and at another meeting in September 
voted that the business of the bank should commence Monday, 
October 3 in the building and store now owned by George Mar- 
tinez. October 26, 1868 the directors voted to .purchase land 
from David Hale and "erect a banking house of brick thereon," 
but March 8 of the next year the directors voted to "purchase 




FIRST XATIOXAL BANK AND SUFFIELD SA\IXGS BANK 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 193 



of Thomas Archer, George Archer and Horace Archer the corner 
lot now occupied by Harrocks, McKensie & Co., "and there the 
present banking house was soon after built. Daniel W. Norton 
resigned as president November 6, 1871, Byron Loomis was 
elected in his place and a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. 
Norton "for his faithfulness in the discharge of his duties as 
president of the bank." February 20, 1877 Mr Loomis resigned 
and I. Luther Spencer was elected president and so remained 
for over twenty years, or till his death December 31, 1897. His 
son Charles L. Spencer was chosen to succeed him January 11, 
1898 and held the office till August 1913, when he resigned to 
accept the presidency of the Connecticut River Banking Com- 
pany of Hartford, and Charles S. Fuller, the present president, 
was elected. The first cashier, Charles A. Chapman, was elected 
September I, 1864 and resigned May 28, 1877. Henry Young 
succeeded him and resigned in 1878. Alfred Spencer, Jr. was 
elected to fill his place and resigned June i, 1891 to become 
cashier of the Aetna National Bank of Hartford. Charles S. 
Fuller was elected cashier June I, 1891, and held the position 
until elected president in 1913, his place being filled by Samuel 
N. Reid, the present cashier. The present capital stock is 
$100,000; surplus, undivided profits and reserves $180,000. 

The charter of the Suffield Savings Bank was granted by the 
Legislature in May 1869, and was accepted by the corporators 
at a meeting July i following. It opened for business in the First 
National Bank building but was later located in offices at the 
south end of the Cooper block, remaining there until six years 
ago when its own handsome building was constructed. The 
growth of the institution has been practically coincident with the 
life of Suffield in the past half century and its relation to the 
financial affairs of the community is indicated by the deposits 
on February i for ten year periods as follows: 

1879 $94,257.26 

1889 115,449-05 

1899 198,459-64 

1909 466,975-83 

1919 860,894.88 

The deposits February i, 1921 were $1,107,560.74. The presi- 
dents of the bank with the terms of their service have been: 



194 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

Martin J. Sheldon, July 6, 1869 to November 6, 1869; Daniel W. 
Norton, November 6, 1869 to July 15, 1871 ; Byron Loomis, July 
15, 1871 to May 7, 1877; William H. Fuller, May 7, 1877 to Jan- 
uary 6, 1890; William L. Loomis, January 6, 1890 to July 11, 
1894; Matthew T. Newton, July 11, 1894 to January 8, 1906; 
Chas. C. Bissell, January 8, 1906 to February 3, 1914. The pres- 
ent president, Samuel R. Spencer, has served since February 9, 
1914. The treasurers with their terms of service have been: 
Charles A. Chapman, July 6, 1869 to May 7, 1877; William L. 
Loomis, May 7, 1877 to July 28, 1877; Benjamin F. Hastings, 
July 28, 1877 to August 6, 1877; Samuel White, August 6, 1877 to 
July 29, 1896; Martin H. Smith, July 29, 1896 to January 8, 1906. 
William J. Wilson has been treasurer since January 8, 1906. 
Emma L. Newton served as assistant treasurer from January 12, 
1903 to January 8, 1906. 

Publishers 

In the decade before and after 1800 there was for those times 
an extensive printing and publishing business in Suffield. Several 
books and pamphlets now greatly prized by collectors of old 
imprints were published here. One of the most extensive estab- 
lishments was that of Edward Gray, several of whose imprints 
were picked up at various places by the late H. S. Sheldon, and 
are in his collection at the Library. The precise location of these 
printing plants is not definitely known, except that Gray's was 
in the Hezekiah Huntington law office building, still standing. 
(See page 119.) 

At one time there was a newspaper called The Impartial 
Herald. Suffield has had no other newspapers of its own, though 
it has shared in the Windsor Locks Journal, which was estab- 
lished in 1880 by Sherman T. Addis who came to Suffield from 
New Milford, built a house here on Bridge Street and conducted 
the newspaper till his health failed. He died in 1896. In 1895 
the business was bought by John T. Morse of Thompsonville 
and is now published by a corporation of which Charles R. La- 
tham of Suffield is secretary. 

Physicians 
The list of physicians who through their professional or public 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 195 

service have been identified with the afi"airs of the town either 
in Sufiield Center or West Suffield, if not complete or in exact 
chronological order, is substantially as follows as appears from 
the notes of H. S. Sheldon : John Drew, about 1 73 5 ; Nathaniel Aus- 
tin, 1736-47; Amos Granger, West Suffield, 1774-1811; Howard 
Alden, died in 1841 at the age of eighty-one; Oliver Pease, died 
in 1843 at the age of eighty-four; Enoch Leavitt, died in 1827; 
John Hanchett, practiced in West Suffield from 1805 to 1825 
and Edwin G. Ulford, also West Suffield, 1829-33; Sumner Ives, 
died in 1844 at the age of forty-five; Asaph L. Bissell, born in 
1791 and died in 1850; Aretas Rising, born in 1801 and died in 
1884; O. W. Kellogg, began practice in West Suffield in 1842, 
moved to Suffield center in 1859 and died in 1891 at the age of 
seventy-three; William H. Mather, died in 1888 at the age of 
fifty-four; Jarvis K. Mason, died in 1905 at the age of seventy- 
three; Matthew T. Newton, died in 1909 at the age of eighty; 
Philo W. Street, died in 1909 at the age of forty-five, and A. P. 
Sherwin, died in 1910 at the age of fifty-one. Following them 
William M. Stockwell and A. P. Noyes practiced a few years 
but removed to other places. The present physicians are W. E. 
Caldwell, J. A. Gibbs, H. M. Brown and William Levy. 

Emergency Aid 

The Emergency Aid Association of Suffield, was formed at the 
suggestion of the late Dr. Philo W. Street to provide "sick room 
appliances and assistance, for those who because of helplessness 
or poverty may be in need of them". The first meeting was held 
November 13, 1903, with representative women from every 
ladies' organization in the township in attendance. November 
19 a constitution was adopted and officers chosen as follows: 
Mrs. David W. Goodale, president; Miss Alena F. Owen, treas- 
urer; Miss Frances O. Mather, secretary. There was one vice 
president from each women's organization, these being respon- 
sible for the raising of $10. each for the purchasing of necessary 
appliances up to $100. 

In April 1904, the association became an incorporated body 
duly approved by the Secretary of State and thus able to receive 
and hold property by will or gift. The incorporators were Mary 



196 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

L. Goodale, Sarah L. Fuller, Frances O. Mather, Alena F. Owen, 
Mary D. Nelson and Ella C. Henshaw. 

The association has always kept on hand rubber goods for 
the sick; sheets, pillow slips, layettes, bed garments, wheel 
chairs, and crutches for destitute sick people. It supplied nurses 
on call, until in 1915 when the Community Nurse was installed, 
Sufheld being the third town in the state to do this. One legacy 
has been received by will, that of Miss Kate Harrocks of $50 
and one large gift of $1,000 from Mr. and Mrs. Dwight S. 
Fuller. 

Miss Ellen E. Qualey, the first nurse, served for four years 
with an efficiency much appreciated by the townspeople. In 
order that every family might have an interest, house to house 
collections were made, and later a Community Carnival was 
held with such good results that in 1916 a Ford Runabout was 
purchased for the use of the nurse. In 1917 the town took over 
the salary of the nurse as part of the town budget. In that year 
the organization assumed as part of its work the sale of Red 
Cross Tuberculosis seals, two-thirds of the amount raised by 
these sales going toward local work of the association and the 
remaining third to the State. 

Village of Suffield 

A marked transformation from old to more modern conditions 
began to take place about thirty years ago, various causes con- 
tributing to the results that followed. An early development was 
the enterprise of Apollos Fuller of Mapleton in driving an arte- 
sian well, near the highway nearly opposite the place of his 
father, the late Cecil H. Fuller. An abundant supply of pure 
water was tapped and the enterprise was turned to the provision 
of a village water supply. 

April 19, 1893, forty-four legal voters of the Center School 
District First Society petitioned the selectmen of Suffield for a 
special meeting of the voters, to be held on the first day of May, 
1893, at 8 o'clock. The meeting was duly held at which the fol- 
lowing resolution was adopted, "Resolved: — By the legal voters 
residing within the boundary lines of the Center School District, 
First Society of Suffield, that a district comprising the above 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I97 

described territory be and the same is hereby estabhshed, for the 
purpose expressed in the petition for this meeting, and as pro- 
vided in an act relating to organization of districts for extinguish- 
ing fires and other purposes." 

It was voted that the district be called the Village of Suffield. 
The purpose as given in the call was as follows: "To extinguish 
fires, to sprinkle streets, to light streets, to plant and care for 
shade and ornamental trees, to construct and maintain side- 
walks, cross walks, drains and sewers and to appoint and employ 
watchmen or police officers." The First School district was in- 
corporated as the Village of Suffield, and in the next Legislature 
Dwight S. Fuller, then one of the town representatives, secured 
a charter for the Village Water Company. Pipes were laid down 
to the Center and thereafter extended. The plant consisted of 
power pumps to force the water to the standpipe on the high 
ground north of the junction of Main Street and the Mapleton 
road. 

Such a power plant quickly suggested the possibility of the 
generation of electricity and the installation of electric lights 
which at that period were being introduced extensively in larger 
places. At about the same time the change from horse cars to the 
trolly system was taking place, the first enterprise for suburban 
electric lines set in and an outside promoter organized a company 
for a Suffield trolly line. The undertaking failed after partial 
construction but was soon taken up through an arrangement 
with the Springfield Street Railway Company, and the line com- 
pleted to Kent Corner. The cars began running in 1902. A few 
years later the connection between Windsor and Suffield was 
made by the Hartford and Springfield Company, and the west 
side route completed. 

At about the same period occurred the telephone extension. 
The telegraph had come to Suffield along with the Suffield branch 
in 1870, and the discontinuance of the stage to Windsor Locks, 
but since the installation of telephones, the telegraph service 
has largely been restricted to the railroad. All these changes, 
occurring practically within a decade, had a pronounced effect 
on the life of the community which not only enjoyed the advan- 
tages of water and lights, but was brought into quicker com- 
munication with Hartford and Springfield. 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



Fire Department 
The first fire equipment of the town was installed in 1876 
after a series of fires. The apparatus consisted of two hand drawn 
and hand operated pumps, drawing water from wells and cisterns 
and delivering a stream about the size of a garden hose. In 1896 
after the First Center School district was incorporated as the 
Village of Suffield and the water system was put in, the volun- 
teer department was organized. Two hose companies were 
formed, equipped with hand drawn reel and regulation fire hose. 
A Hook and Ladder company was formed in 1900, equipped with 
a hand drawn ladder truck. In 1917 the present Knox Six Cyl- 
inder Combination Chemical and Hose Car was bought. The 
department now consists of a hose company and a ladder com- 
pany. Only the chemical car answers first alarms, but one hose 
reel and the ladder truck are kept in readiness when additional 
help is needed. Alarms are received by telephone and sent out 
on a large electric siren. The list of fire chiefs with the date of 
their appointment is as follows: Wallace C. Knox, 1897; John 
L. Wilson, 1899; Fred J. Lunny, 1905; Jerry Dineen, 1910; Louis 
G. Allen, 191 2. The department has thirty members. 

Masonic Lodge and other Organizations 

With ceremonies attended by officers of the grand lodge of 
Connecticut, and with a public reception on the evening of 
July 27, 1920, or a few weeks previous to the quarter millennial 
of the town, Apollo Lodge No. 59, Ancient Free and Accepted 
Masons, celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of its estab- 
lishment in Suffield. In the spring of 1820 a number of Masonic 
brethren in the town petitioned the grand lodge at Hartford 
for a charter for a local lodge. The petition was granted, the 
lodge installed July 27th and meetings were held at the house 
of Ezekiel Osborn on Ratley road. West Suffield. The first offi- 
cers were: Andrew Dennison, W. M.; Barlow Rose, S. W.; Sim- 
eon Lewis, J. W.; John W. Hanchett, secretary; Thaddeus 
Lyman, treasurer; Julius C. Sheldon, S. D.; Curtis Rose, J. D.; 
James Austin, and Austin Smith, tylers. 

The organizers and first officers were mainly prominent West 
Suffield men, but in 1823 it was decided to remove the lodge to 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW I99 

Suffield Center and a room was secured temporarily in the 
Archer House (see page 175) where the first meeting was held 
September 11, 1823. Permanent quarters were secured in 1828 
of Horace Warner on Main Street, now at the corner of Day 
Avenue. Meetings were held there until 1832 when what was 
known as the "Anti-Masonic Times" set in and for several 
years the lodge languished. There is a tradition that for about 
ten years the charter was hidden in a building on the Horace 
Warner premises. At a meeting in 1842 of which Julius Harmon 
was moderator and Luther Loomis secretary, it was voted that 
it was "inexpedient to relinquish the charter" and that every 
means should be used to sustain the lodge. But it was not until 
1 85 1 that it was reorganized and rooms were secured over the 
Loomis Store, now the Cooper Block. At about the same time 
the grand lodge restored its original rights which appear to have 
been temporarily suspended. The lodge continued in the Loomis 
block until 1862, when it leased rooms in the building then 
owned by H. N. Prout and now by George Martinez. It con- 
tinued there until 1870 when quarters were secured in the newly 
constructed building of the First National Bank. 

Here the lodge remained for over forty years, growing in popu- 
larity and strength. About fifteen years ago the members 
started a movement for a building of their own. The late Louise 
E. Hatheway, whose father had been the second Worshipful 
Master of the lodge offered to present it with a building lot on 
her property, and to further building plans a special charter 
under the name of the Suffield Masonic Association was secured. 
But the plans could not be sufficiently developed at the time and 
were given up. In 1912, after the death of Miss Sophia Bissell 
the Luther Loomis house (See page 170) was bought by Mr. 
Charles L. Spencer and in 1913 he presented the lodge with a 
deed of the place which was later transferred to the Suffield 
Masonic Association. The house was remodeled and refinished 
at a cost of about $12,000 with quarters for the Masonic Club 
on the first floor and thus one of the beautiful landmarks of old 
Suffield is being preserved. As elsewhere noted, the Masonic 
Association kindly tendered the club quarters for a Hostess 
House during the celebration. The list of officers of the lodge in 



200 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

the course of its one hundred years of existence includes the 
names of many leading Suffield men in their times. 

Daughters of the American Revolution 

Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapter D. A. R. was organized at the 
home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Fuller June lo, 1896, under 
the direction of Mrs. Sara T. Kinney, State Regent, with thirty 
charter members from Suffield and Windsor Locks; including 
two Real Daughters, Mrs. Anna Hale Burnap Pierce and Mrs. 
Mary Burns Woodworth. Miss Helen L. Archer was the first 
regent, with Mrs. Emily Wadsworth Schwartz as vice-regent; 
Miss Emily L. Norton, secretary and treasurer; Miss Emma L. 
Newton, registrar; Miss Helen M. King, historian. 

The work of the chapter has been in locating and marking the 
graves of Revolutionary soldiers throughout the town; restoring 
the old cemetery in the center of the town; the setting of trees 
along the highway near this burial place and the raising of a 
fund to insure its perpetual care; also some minor memorial 
work. In 1903 a large boulder with bronze tablet suitably in- 
scribed was placed in the Park to mark the site of the first Meet- 
ing House. 

The Chapter has passed through two wars, the Spanish-Am- 
erican, and the World War; in both, raising money, and making 
garments of all kinds to help the soldiers. The study of the 
history of our country, and patriotism, have been encouraged 
by the giving of prizes for essays on these subjects in the public 
schools of Windsor Locks and Suffield. From the organization 
of the chapter many scholarships have been given for the educa- 
tion of worthy youths in schools in the South and West, in the 
Connecticut Literary Institution and among the foreign young 
people in the American International College. For some twenty 
years it gave the Annual Memorial Day Dinner to Civil War 
veterans, but it was given up as one by one the old soldiers 
passed away. The Chapter has grown to a present member- 
ship of eighty-four. 

Woman's Reading Club 

In the autumn of 1894 and as an outgrowth of the Chautauqua 
Circle, which had existed for a period previously, the Woman's 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 20I 

Reading Club was formed. Thirty-one members were enrolled 
and the officers for the first year were: Mrs. C. C. Spencer, 
president; Mrs. M. M. McCord, vice-president; Miss H. L. 
Archer, secretary and treasurer and Miss Alena F. Owen and 
Mrs. A. W. Lawrence advisory committee. The object of the 
club, as its constitution states, is "the promotion of literary 
pursuits and the increase of the social element among the women 
of our town." The club's activities have been continued along 
the lines first prescribed and have been maintained with constant 
interest and educational influence for over a quarter of a century. 
Besides the regular meetings of the members, lectures and musi- 
cals open to the public have been given from time to time. 

Ladies^ Wide Awake Club 
The Ladies' Wide Awake Club has become an active and use- 
ful institution in the life of West Suffield. Its first meeting was 
held October 26, 1908 at the house of Mrs. George L. Warner 
and there were forty charter members. It was started for the 
purpose of raising money to install electric street lights in West 
Suffield and it still pays over $100 a year to that end. It has de- 
voted itself to many benefits and improvements for the com- 
munity and has remodeled the old school rooms in the building 
bought by the Village Improvement Society. One room is used 
as a club room and the other as a kitchen, and suppers or en- 
tertainments are given every month for the benefit of the com- 
munity. During the war the club contributed much to Red Cross 
and war relief work. It now has forty-five members. 

Mapleton Hall 
A strong community spirit has characterized the people re- 
siding in that part of the town long known as Crooked Lane and 
later as Mapleton. Early in the seventies they began to hold 
Lyceum and Farmers' meetings in the old brick school house at 
the foot of the hill. It became too small for the interesting 
meetings and in the winter of 1879-80 a public hall was sug- 
gested. This sentiment quickly grew and at a meeting early in 
1880 a committee consisting of Cecil H. Fuller, Arthur Sikes and 
Edward Austin was appointed to draw up articles of organiza- 
tion and agreement. They were presented at a meeting at the 



202 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 

school house April i6, 1880, and an association organized. The 
articles of agreement were accepted and the following officers 
elected: president, Edward Austin; secretary, John L. Wilson; 
auditor, Dwight S. Fuller; trustees, Cecil H. Fuller, Henry D. 
Tinker and D. D. Bement. In the next two years enough money 
was raised so that the construction of Mapleton Hall was begun 
in the spring of 1882. It was ready for use in January of the 
next year and was dedicated January 16 with exercises that in- 
cluded an "old home week." At first it was called Central Hall, 
but the name was later changed to Mapleton Hall. In 1896 a 
large addition was built to meet the requirements. All debts 
are paid and the association has money in the treasury. 

The Grange 

The old Lyceum and Farmers' meetings were continued in the 
new hall till 1885, when the Grange was organized to take their 
places. The organization occurred February 19, 1885 with 
Henry D. Tinker, master, Arthur Sikes, secretary and George 
A. Austin, lecturer. From that time till the present the organ- 
ization has held meetings twice a month. When organized there 
were twenty-eight charter members; the membership is now 
two hundred. 

The May Breakfast 

To provide means for maintaining the hall, in the spring of 
1887 the association appointed a committee consisting of Allen 
Wilson, C. D. Vandelinda, G. A. Austin, Ella M. Clark and 
Fannie M. Sikes. Allen Wilson suggested the idea of a May 
Breakfast on May i of that year. Thus the first breakfast was 
held in the hall in 1887 and about $100 was cleared. Since then 
different committees have been chosen by the Mapleton Hall 
Association to have charge of this annual affair, which has been 
successfully continued to the present with the single exception 
of 1918 when it was omitted because of urgent war work. The 
breakfasts have now a wide reputation and are largely attended 
by people from neighboring cities and towns. More than $6000 
has been netted by these breakfasts for the maintenance of the 
hall and for the addition made in 1896. 



SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 203 



Mapleton Literary Club 
Another thriving association of Mapleton is the Mapleton 
Literary Club which was formed October 20, 1905 by nine 
women of that street and the present membership is thirty- 
seven. Its first seven years were devoted to study of American 
history, American literature and travel in the United States and 
England. In later courses it has taken up domestic science, 
physical culture, art, music, nature, inventions, engineering, 
religion, child labor and government. In each season there is 
one open meeting with a speaker. In January of each year the 
ladies entertain their husbands with a banquet and they are 
popular gatherings. The club also has an annual outing. 

The Town 
Such in the main and in brief are the religious, educational, 
industrial and social institutions of Suffield, their roots running 
back into a past in which its people have labored for their com- 
mon welfare. Embracing and uniting them all is a community 
spirit, or town feeling and purpose, manifested at all times and 
in various ways, and in no way, probably, so true to the ideals 
of its founders as in the Town Meeting. 

As elsewhere stated, the people who migrated to Connecticut 
nearly three hundred years ago brought with them the political 
purpose, denied at Massachusetts Bay, of managing their local 
affairs through their own elected selectmen, and by annual or 
special Town Meetings authorizing and ordering their common 
interests by the will of the majority. In their urban growth 
some of these towns have lost this fundamental institution of 
democracy, but Suffield is one of those in which it has survived 
all changes, losing none of its fitness and eflicacy under different 
conditions and in the management of larger affairs. In char- 
acter and effect, the Town Meeting of the present is essentially 
the same as when, in 1682, Major John Pynchon presided over 
the first assembly of Suffield citizens. 

In this meeting, now even more than at first because of the 
extension of the voting franchise, political equality finds its 
purest example and the will of the people its most complete ex- 
pression. No other institution established in township begin- 



204 SUFFIELD OLD AND NEW 



nings, has held so true to an original purpose, no other has had a 
greater influence in safeguarding the orderly sovereignty of the 
people, and no other furnishes better security for the enduring 
life of American institutions. 



^A Tribute 

As Suffield advances into the future, old family names, handed 
down from Puritan ancestry, will persist; not exclusively as in the 
early generations, perhaps not predominating as in later genera- 
tions, but mingled with the names of newer Americans, inheriting, 
not the blood, but the institutions of the old New England stock. 
If in Suffield, as elsewhere, the times are marking a turn in the 
long course of the New England township, no civic duty is more 
important than that old and new strains alike keep and revere the 
inheritance of the past in the progress of the future. 

Were these pages to be dedicated to the living, they should be 
dedicated to all those who love and loyally serve the old Town of 
Suffield, whatever their names and wherever they may be. 

Were they to be dedicated to the dead, they should be dedicated 
to all those who in all the years have lived in Suffield, contributing 
to the strength and permanence of its traditions and institutions, 
and leaving to it the rewards of their lives and labors. 

Were they to be dedicated to those who in the last half century 
have contributed in special and substantial ways to the eyiduring 
strength of these traditions and institutions, they should be dedi- 
cated to Sidney A. Kent, Martin J. Sheldon, and James P. 
Spencer, sons of Suffield, generous benefactors of its larger educa- 
tional life in school and library; and to Hezekiah S. Sheldon and 
William L. Loomis, sons of Suffield, who, in a labor of love, 
gave an abiding life to the records of the past. 

Were they to be dedicated to the one who in these recent years 
has been chief among his fellow citizens, a son of Suffield, its gen- 
erous benefactor, wise counselor and active leader in every good 
service during a long lifetime, they should be dedicated to the Pres- 
ident of the General Executive Committee of the Two Hundred and 
Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration, Edward A. Fuller, who died at 
his home in Main Street, February /j, ig2i, at the age of seventy- 
eight. 

With this tribute to all who have inspired a larger future for 
Suffield, true to its noble inheritance from the past, these pages 
close. 




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